Immigration figures set to put Government under the spotlight

The Government's record on immigration will come under the spotlight once again as a fresh batch of statistics are published.

A comprehensive set of data on migration to and from the UK in 2014 will be released today along with more recent estimates covering the year to June.

In August it emerged that net migration to Britain - the difference between the number of people entering and leaving the country - reached a record high of 330,000 in the year to March, dealing a major blow to the Conservatives' aim of reducing the figure to five figures.

Ministers faced further pressure over the issue last month when projections showed the UK population is set to jump by the equivalent of a country the size of Ireland over the next decade.

More than two thirds (68%) of the long-term rise was said to be due to future net migration and the indirect impact of children born to migrants.

The Government has announced a series of measures on immigration since the election.

A bill currently going through Parliament includes new sanctions for illegal workers and restrictions on access to bank accounts and driving licences for those in the country unlawfully.