英国净移民人数减半，斯塔默遏制极右翼势头获助力

Core Viewpoint - The net immigration numbers in the UK have decreased by nearly 50% to 431,000, marking the largest historical drop, which is a positive development for Prime Minister Starmer as he seeks to regain voters attracted by the right-wing Reform Party [1] Immigration Trends - The decline in immigration is primarily due to a reduction in work and study visa numbers, influenced by the Conservative government's increase in salary thresholds for skilled workers and restrictions on caregivers and international students bringing family members [1] - The net immigration figure has decreased from a revised 860,000 in 2023, representing a 49.9% drop, surpassing the 49.5% decline during the pandemic lockdown in 2020 [1] Political Implications - The number of arrivals fell to 948,000, marking the first time since March 2022 that it has dropped below one million [1] - Following significant gains by the Reform Party in recent local elections, Starmer has intensified efforts to strengthen immigration control positions [1] - Concerns over immigration levels had previously led to protests and extreme right riots in the summer of 2024 [1] Policy Changes - Starmer recently announced a reform plan for the immigration system, which includes ending the recruitment of overseas caregivers, restricting skilled worker immigration, and doubling the application time for settlement, with a commitment to further reduce immigration levels [1]