The Office for Statistics Regulation wrote to Simon Palmer about transparency of statistics related to small boat crossings

17 November 2021 · Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, Office for Statistics Regulation

The letter is dated 17 November 2021. A reply dated 20 December 2021 is published alongside it. The Office for Statistics Regulation published it as Ed Humpherson to Simon Palmer: Transparency of statistics related to small boat crossings; it links to 3 official records. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the Office for Statistics Regulation wrote

“The current approach to the release of figures on migrant crossings does not meet our expectations, as set out in our statement on data transparency.”

“These figures should be published in an accessible form, with context and sources clearly explained.”

“Additionally, where unpublished data are referred to unexpectedly, this information should be published as soon as possible after any statement has been made with any limitations clearly set out.”

“It is good that you have plans to develop and publish a comprehensive report on migrant boat crossings, but work to ensure that all the underlying data is properly assured might mean this will not be published until February 2022.”

From Ed Humpherson, Director General for Regulation, Office for Statistics Regulation, letter of 17 November 2021. Read the full letter.

Records the letter links to

• recently commented (committees.parliament.uk)
• quoted (committees.parliament.uk)
• open inquiry (committees.parliament.uk)

Correspondence

• Published reply: Simon Palmer to Ed Humpherson: Transparency of statistics related to small boat crossings (20 December 2021)

Related key figures

• Small boat arrivals (English Channel)

Receipt