Full Fact asks Home Office to publish statistics behind PM’s immigration returns claim

4 October 2024

It’s been more than a week since the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, claimed in his conference speech that there’s been a “23% increase” in immigration returns compared with last summer, and as of today, 4 October, the government has still not published the data behind his claim.

As we explained at the time, Office for Statistics Regulation guidance states: “Where unpublished data are referred to unexpectedly, the information should be published as soon as possible after any statement has been made – ideally on the same day.” Without this, neither we nor the public can verify Mr Starmer’s statement.

We’ve written to the Home Office to ask that they publish this data without any further delay.

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