The graph below shows Long Term International Migration in UK 1999 2008

Information on United Kingdom immigration, migration and net migration between 1999 and 2008 is shown in the graph.
Both immigration and emigration rates rose over the period seen, but the immigration statistics were significantly higher. Net migration reached its height in 2004 and 2007.
More than 450,000 people came to live in the United Kingdom in 1999, while the number of emigrants was just under 300,000. Net migration was approximately 160,000 and remained at a similar level until 2003. From 1999 to 2004, the immigration rate has increased by over 150,000 people, but there was a much smaller increase in emigration. Net migration peaked at nearly 250,000 in 2004.
The rate of immigration has been high since 2004, but the rate of migration has fluctuated. Emigration fell suddenly in 2007, before reaching a peak of about 420,000 in 2008. As a result, net migration increased to around 240,000 in 2007, but fell back to around 160,000 in 2008.