500,000 migrants a record

NET migration to the UK has climbed to a record half a million.

It was driven by a series of “unprecedented world events”, including the war in Ukraine and the end of lockdown.

Around 504,000 more people are estimated to have moved here than left in the 12 months to June 2022 – up from just 173,000 the year before.

The Office for National Statistics described the period covered by the latest figures as “unique”. Afghan refugees, the new visa route for British nationals from Hong Kong, and students arriving from outside the EU also contributed to the jump.