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Net migration to UK rises to 333,000

Net migration to the UK has increased to the second highest level on record, official figures show.

The figure - the difference between the number of people arriving and leaving the UK - was estimated at 333,000 for the year ending December 2015, up 20,000 on the year before.

Net migration to the UK from the EU was estimated to be 184,000 in 2015, up from 174,000 in 2014.

The figures from the Office for National Statistics are the last to be released before next month's EU referendum.

In 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron promised to reduce the annual level of net migration to below 100,000 - but it is a pledge he has failed to meet.

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Minister: Leaving EU is 'no panacea' to reduce migration

Net migration to the UK has increased to the second highest level on record Credit: PA

Immigration minister James Brokenshire has said "net migration from outside of the EU and within the EU remains too high".

It comes as latest official figures reveal it reached 333,000 for the year ending December 2015 - the second highest level on record. Net migration from the EU was estimated to be 184,000.

"These figures underline that there are no quick fixes or simple solutions," Mr Brokenshire said.

"However, we remain committed to reforms across the whole of Government to bring migration down to sustainable levels, which is in the best interest of our country."

He also insisted "leaving the EU is absolutely no panacea or silver bullet whatever some may suggest".

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