Police commissioners publish pro-immigration 'fact sheet'

Three Labour police and crime commissioners from Durham, Northumbria, and Cleveland, in partnership with the North East Migration Partnership (NEMP), have released a “Migrant Myth Busters” leaflet to counter immigration misconceptions. Distributed in community centers and libraries, it claims migrants boost the economy, stating, “The Office of Budget Responsibility estimates that the average migrant, who moves to this country at the age of 25 and lives until 80, will contribute £341,000 to public finances.” However, last year’s OBR data indicated low-wage migrants cost taxpayers over £150,000 each by pension age.

The leaflet denies migrants increase crime, asserting, “There is no evidence that migrants bring crime to our streets,” with immigrants comprising 12% of prisoners, matching their population share. Yet, court records show 211 asylum seekers in Home Office hotels were charged with 425 offenses in 2025, including 109 violent and 44 sexual offenses. It also claims, “Migrants are less likely to get social housing than people born in the UK,” but census data reveals 48% of London’s social housing is occupied by foreign-born households.

Additionally, while the leaflet says migrants rarely claim benefits, refugee household Universal Credit claims rose 33% to £1.1bn in 2024.

Durham’s Joy Allen stressed combating misinformation to promote truth and compassion.