Net migration falls two-thirds

Down 445,000 from previous year, says ONS

- BY DAVE BURKE Political Correspondent

NET migration has plummeted by two thirds in a year, new data shows.

Figures published yesterday by the Office for National Statistics estimate the number fell to 204,000 in the 12 months to June.

This is down from 649,000 the previous year and will be seen as a boost for Keir Starmer, who branded it a "step in the right direction".

However, the number of people in asylum hotels increased, with 36,273 being accommodated in September, separate Home Office figures show.

There was a record number of people claiming asylum.