Migration Surge: The Driving Force Behind the UK’s Population Growth

The United Kingdom’s population increased by 1% to reach 68.3 million by mid-2023, largely caused by the high immigration according to data from Britain’s Office for National Statistics (ONS). The total international migration was the primary reason behind this population surge across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the ONS reported.

The number of differences between births and deaths are called the natural change in population which fell by 16,300 in the UK. In mid-2023, England and Wales’ population experienced an increase of 610,000 marking it one of the largest annual growth in 75 years. For comparison the net migration in 2015 is just 329,000. 

The immigration has widely increased in the UK over recent years driven by both economic migrants and by those who arrive via irregular routes including small boat crossings. This has sparked a political debate questioning the public services which has faced years of underinvestment. 

The new work visa rules caused a surge in immigration from India, Nigeria and Pakistan mostly to fill health and social care vacancies. At the same time the post-Brexit changes to visas gave a sudden drop of migrants from European unions. 

Pressure on the Newly Elected Labour Government

Last August some far-right groups took to the streets to protest against migrants, putting political tensions and an early challenge for the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the newly elected labour government. The newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that his approach to illegal migration would be sensible and shows a change from the last leadership. He also got rid of the previous Conservative government’s plan by choosing a more sensible stance on managing illegal migration.