Net immigration to Britain has risen to 273,000 a year as a surge in arrivals from outside the EU offset a slowdown in flows from within the bloc.

People moving to the UK from EU countries was at its lowest level since 2012 in figures to June 2018.

But overall immigration rose because arrivals from the rest of the world - which hit a 14-year high, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

In the year to March 2018, the figure for net arrivals was 267,000 people. The peak in arrivals in 2014 and 2015 was more than 330,000 people.

Net immigration to Britain rose to 273,000 in the first half of 2018 despite a continued fall in arrivals from the EU according to ONS data out today (pictured).

Jay Lindop, Director of the Centre for International Migration, Office for National Statistics, said: 'Net migration continues to add to the population and has remained fairly stable since its peak in 2016, with around 270,000 more people coming to the UK than leaving in the year ending June 2018.

'However, there are different patterns for EU and non-EU migration. Due to increasing numbers arriving for work and study, non-EU net migration is now at the highest level since 2004.

'In contrast, EU net migration, while still adding to the population as a whole, is at the lowest since 2012.

'Decisions to migrate are complex and people's decision to move to or from the UK will be influenced by a range of factors.'

Despite net migration for EU citizens being the lowest since 2012, EU citizens continue to add to the population of the UK.

People moving to the UK from EU countries was at its lowest level since 2012 in figures to June 2018 (pictured) according the latest immigration data

Fewer in detention centres in the UK The number of migrants held in UK detention centres has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2009. There were 2,049 detainees at the end of September, down 41 per cent on the previous year. The number entering detention dropped 9 per cent to 25,061 over the same period, and ‘enforced returns’ – deportations – were down 18 per cent at 10,190. The Home Office said the figures coincided with new bail rules and ‘changes across the immigration system’ after the Windrush scandal, which saw some long-term UK residents detained despite living in the country legally for decades. Advertisement

An estimated 74,000 more came to the UK than left in the year ending June 2018 - with 219,000 arrivals and 145,000 departures.

Arrivals from the so-called EU8 - countries that joined the bloc in 2004 including Poland and the Czech Republic - have fallen particularly sharply meaning around 14,000 people left overall.

The biggest group of net arrivals in the year to June 2018 was from Asia. There were 208,000 new people living in the UK and just 43,000 departures - a net figure of 164,000.

Best for Britain champion and Tory MP Phillip Lee said: 'This is a Brexodus. We're seeing EU nationals leaving public service on a scale never before witnessed in this country.

'EU nationals are the pillar which support fundamental public services in this country.

Arrivals from the so-called EU8 - countries that joined the bloc in 2004 including Poland and the Czech Republic - have fallen particularly sharply meaning around 14,000 people left overall. The biggest group of net arrivals in the year to June 2018 was from Asia. There were 208,000 new people living in the UK and just 43,000 departures - a net figure of 164,000

'We cannot sit back and watch vital public services like our NHS be damaged by Brexit. That's not what Leave voters were promised in 2016.

'There's a clear case for the people being given the final say over Brexit, with the option to compare what we currently have with the hope of a deal being offered by this government.'

Lord Green of Deddington, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: 'The net inflow from the EU is still roughly the size of the British Army despite cries of alarm from industry over Brexit.

'Meanwhile, non-EU net migration at 248,000 is an astonishing number. It is the highest for 14 years and the result of the Government's failure to take effective action to reduce it over recent years.'

It emerged on Tuesday that the Cabinet is deeply split over the post Brexit immigration policy as at least three ministers demand Mrs May's axes a crackdown on low-skilled EU migrants.'

Chancellor Philip Hammond and Business Secretary Greg Clark are among those who want to soften the policy for fear of damage to the economy.

Major industries, particularly agriculture, are dependent on short term, low skilled labour and fear worker shortages when EU free movement ends after Brexit.

The Cabinet war has delayed publication of a new policy paper on how the immigration system will work after Brexit.