Immigration figures show government failure, says UKIP

Phil Griffiths, President of UKIP North West

New figures showing that net migration to the UK has jumped 30% in a year to 212,000 highlights the government's failure, said Phil Griffiths, UKIP's North West president today.

The rise of 58,000 in 12 months to September 2013 has been attributed by the Office for National Statistics to migrants from recession-hit southern Europe.

Mr Griffiths said, "These latest figures show just what a failure the Government has been when it comes to controlling immigration into the UK.

"It is utterly pointless setting immigration targets when you can't even decide who can and cannot come in to this country.

"The reality is that until we end the open door immigration policy with the EU and take back full control over our borders nothing can really be done," said Mr Griffiths.