Britain has reported a big increase in immigration last year despite government efforts to control the numbers of arrivals, according to the Associated Press.

Office of National Statistics figures released Thursday, Nov 27, show increased migration from within the European Union and from the rest of the world.

The figures show a net increase of 260,000 people for the year ending in June compared to 182,000 for the same period the year before.

That statistic is based on the number of people arriving in Britain minus the number of people leaving.

The figures are politically sensitive because they indicate government efforts to limit the number of new arrivals haven't been successful.

Immigration is shaping up as a major issue in the general election scheduled for May.