Data from @ukhomeoffice suggests improved asylum processing is cutting the backlog, even with new claims at close to record levels. Fewer people in the system should, in time, reduce the need for hotels and the multi-billion pound bill.

You won't find this important story on your news feed BUT.... figures just out show homicides in England & Wales at their LOWEST level since comparable records began back in 2003. @ONS

Statistics from ONS today show 29.7% of conceptions in England & Wales led to abortion in 2022, UP from 26.5% in 2021 and the HIGHEST on record.

Political parties should learn from the Papal conclave on how to choose a leader, Robert Harris tells me.
www.bbc.com/news/article...

Still ridiculously unaffordable and prompting a crisis in homelessness in Eng/Wales, BUT...
median house sale prices UP 1% (2021-2024)
average earnings UP 20% (2021-2024).

www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...

I have Argentina to thank for my marriage — it was only right to finally visit

www.thetimes.com/article/8451...

The odd aspect of this is the Home Office slipping this change out on Monday when they were very publicly trying to convince voters they were getting tough with ‘illegal’ migration.
www.bbc.com/news/article...

My Boxing Day Family Puzzler has a new home - on Substack. If you are after an old-style paper and pen quiz to boggle your household, it's just the thing.
substack.com/@markeaston3...

Muhammad has replaced Noah as the top name for baby boys in England and Wales. It was second in 2022 and has been in the top 10 since 2016. Noah was second and Oliver third. Olivia was the most popular girls name for the eighth year in a row. Amelia and Isla were second and third. #ONS