The Home Office has released data on irregular migration, including arrivals on small boats and asylum applications. In the year ending June 2024, there were 38,784 irregular arrivals, with 81% arriving by small boats. The number of people waiting for an initial decision on asylum applications at the end of June 2024 was 118,882, down 32% year-on-year. The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, plans to reopen two immigration centers to increase removal rates.
Child benefit claims rose in April, while GCSE results for 16-year-olds remained consistent with previous years. Political party membership continued to decline, with Labour losing 37,000 members in 2023.
Amnesty International UK criticized the government for not providing safe alternative routes for asylum seekers. The outgoing Conservative government granted fewer work visas in the year to June 2024, with small boat arrivals also decreasing.
The gap in GCSE results between private and state schools widened at higher grades. Concerns about rightwing extremism and societal divisions have increased, with Keir Starmer seen as responding well compared to Nigel Farage. Public services and the economy remain top concerns for Britons.
These statistics and developments reflect the ongoing challenges and changes in UK politics and immigration policies. As the new government takes over, the focus on migration, asylum, and education will continue to shape the political landscape.
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