Nigel Farage guest highlights how 'we don't know' how many migrants are in UK as it's revealed 7 million have registered with GP on NHS

Nigel Farage guest highlights how 'we don't know' how many migrants are in UK as it's revealed 7 million have registered with GP on NHS
09 Alp Mehmet Immigrants using GP services
Ben Chapman

By Ben Chapman


Published: 09/05/2022

- 21:08

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:30

Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, Alp Mehmet issued an eye-opening statement about the number of migrants in the UK

The Chairman of Migration Watch UK has claimed "we don't know" how many migrants are in the UK after it was revealed seven million have registered with a GP on the NHS.

Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, Alp Mehmet issued an eye-opening statement about the number of migrants in the UK.


Mr Mehmet said he is "absolutely certain" that figures we have heard regarding this already have been "undercounted".

After being asked whether we have a "clue" as to how many people are in the country, Mr Mehmet said: "We haven't actually, if you remember, when we were involved in the EU settlement scheme, we were told there would be around three-and-a-half million.

Alp Mehmet issued a worrying warning over the number of migrants currently in the UK.
Alp Mehmet issued a worrying warning over the number of migrants currently in the UK.
Image: GB News

"It turned out to be over six million, so no, we don't know for sure.

"We used to rely on the census every ten years to give us an indication as to what was really going on, each time we found that the numbers were actually higher than the ONS had been.

"I'm absolutely certain that the figures we've heard already are if anything, undercounting what is really going on."

Adding to the discussion, Nigel highlighted the lack of access to GP services for many Brits.

Alp Mehmet says he feels current estimates have been 'undercounted.'
Alp Mehmet says he feels current estimates have been 'undercounted.'
Image: GB News

Brits across the country are facing increased waiting times to see their GP.
Brits across the country are facing increased waiting times to see their GP.
Lynne Cameron

The GB News presenter said: "Access to GP services is something that is really exercising people across the country.

"Is it any wonder we've got problems?"

Nigel made the comment following the revelation that more than 65,000 people every month are "waiting too long for cancer diagnosis" according to Cancer Research UK analysis.

A new target introduced last autumn says people should be either diagnosed with the disease or have it ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral by their GP, referral for breast symptoms or if they have been picked up through screening.

The aim is for 75 percent of these people to receive either a cancer diagnosis or the all-clear within a month, yet Cancer Research UK’s analysis shows this target has not yet been met since it was introduced.

It has varied, but stood at 74 percent in February.

Even if the target was met, 55,000 people every month would still be left waiting to find out whether they have the disease, according to Cancer Research UK.

Data also shows a large variation across England – with only 78 out of 143 hospital trusts meeting the 75 percent standard.

Cancer Research UK said people were being failed by the system, which lacks the capacity to deal with the numbers needing to be seen.

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