Reduce net immigration in the UK to zero, say MPs

A cross-party parliamentary group – the first to tackle such a politically divisive issue – says net immigration must be reduced to zero, with the numbers arriving balanced by those leaving.

The group hopes this will stabilise the swelling UK population and reduce pressure on public services at a time when immigrants are entering at the highest rate in recorded history.

"We strongly believe we must ease the pressures that immigration is placing on our public services, environment and, indeed, on the cohesion of our society," it says in a report, Balanced Migration.

The group is jointly chaired by former Labour and Tory Ministers Frank Field and Nicholas Soames, and includes business leaders, churchmen and a former union boss.