TEMPO.CO, London - Net migration to Britain has risen to a record high, official data showed on Thursday, August 27, underscoring the challenge Prime Minister David Cameron has on his hand to convince voters that his immigration policy will work.
Cameron, who was elected for a second term in May, is under pressure to deliver on a promise made in 2010 to reduce annual net migration to Britain to below 100,000. The pledge was aimed at assuaging voter concerns about the strain being placed on public services.
But data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a net 330,000 people moved to Britain in the year ending March 2015, compared to 236,000 in the same period a year ago.
The ONS said the number surpassed the previous record of 320,000 seen in the year ending June 2005.
Business lobby group the Institute of Directors criticised the target, saying it is unachievable and that the search for new measures to help meet it was creating instability for companies. Along with think-tank British Future, they called for a comprehensive review of the immigration strategy.
REUTERS
