Figures reopen immigration debate

More than two million people have emigrated to the UK in the last 16 years, it has been claimed.

Migrationwatch said government figures showed 2.3 million foreigners moved to this country between 1991 and 2006.

Only 8% of them - around 200,000 - were from Eastern Europe.

Chairman Sir Andrew Green said: "As public concern has increased, supporters of immigration have tried to give the impression that the majority come from the new EU member states and that, in time as their economies improve, they will return home - thus implying that public fears are groundless." But the Government's own figures show that this is far from the case.

"They also give the lie to those who claim that there is no point in immigration controls which do not apply to EU citizens," he said.

The figures showed net migration in the period was less than two million as around 422,000 people left the country.

Most of these - 212,000 - went to Australia and 72,000 moved to EU countries. Smaller numbers left for the United States, NZ and Canada.

Sir Andrew added: "The reality is that those who come and stay are almost entirely from countries subject to immigration control. What we need therefore is effective control."

A UK Border Agency spokesman said "sweeping changes" were being introduced to the immigration system.

"The Australian style Points-Based System will cover six out of every 10 migrants wanting to come to the UK. Other measures include a single border force to guard our ports and compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals."