Net migration to Britain hits record high

Net migration to Britain last year hit a record high, according to official figures published today.

The Office for National Statistics said that net migration in 2010 was 252,000 - the highest calendar year figure on record.

The ONS said that while immigration was steady at 591,000, the rise in the net figure was due to a fall in the number of people leaving the country.
In all, 339,000 people emigrated from the UK - the lowest level of emigration since 2001.

Emigration by non-British citizens also fell to 203,000 from a peak of 255,000 in 200. The ONS said fewer people were leaving the country from the UK for work-related reasons.

Provisional figures for the 12 months to March 2011 show 174,000 left due to work - the lowest figure for five years.

The main reason for immigration into the UK continued to be to study - which rose from 211,000 in 2009 to 238,000 last year.