According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration to the UK has decreased to 171,000 in the year ending December 2025, the lowest level since early 2021. This figure represents a significant drop from 331,000 in the previous year, driven primarily by a reduction in arrivals from outside the European Union (EU) for work purposes. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized this achievement, stating, 'I promised to restore control to our borders. My government is delivering.' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that net migration has fallen by 82% over the past three years, highlighting the government's efforts to implement a skills-based migration system. However, critics, including shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, argue that the emigration of British citizens, which stood at 246,000 in 2025, is a crucial factor in the declining net migration figures. Additionally, the ONS reported a 35% decrease in the number of asylum seekers housed in UK hotels, totaling 20,885. The political discourse surrounding these figures continues, with calls for a more informed public discussion on managing migration.