Responding to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics on long-term international migration, Richard Brown, Research Director at Centre for London said:

“Brexit is already having an impact on patterns of migration to the UK.

“These latest figures suggest London is more affected than the rest of the country: net international migration to London fell by 38 per cent in 2016, against 21 per cent in the rest of the UK. National insurance registrations suggests that the fall in immigration has been sharpest in EU nationals.

“From bankers to builders, baristas to barristers, the capital is much more reliant on European workers than other areas of the country.

“There are twice as many EU workers in London’s workforce compared to the rest of the UK, and proportions of students are similar. But the potential impact goes beyond the challenge of skills shortages: there are collateral longer‐term effects on public finances, London’s economy and soft power.

“The government must act now to keep London open to European talent, and preserve London’s role as one of Europe’s main economic and cultural centres, while re-doubling efforts to up-skill domestic workers.”