UK Population Growth Hits 75-Year High Driven Mainly by Migration

Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal that the populations of England and Wales have experienced a significant growth, increasing by over 700,000 residents in the year leading up to June 2024. This marks the second-largest annual population rise in more than 75 years. The total population reached approximately 61.8 million, up from 61.1 million the previous year, primarily driven by international migration, which accounted for 98% of the growth. During this period, around 1.14 million individuals migrated into England and Wales, while about 452,000 emigrated, resulting in a net migration figure of roughly 690,147. Although this net migration number has decreased compared to the previous year's 833,696, it remains high by historical standards. The decline is partly attributed to new immigration policies introduced in early 2024, including restrictions on dependents accompanying international students and overseas care workers, as well as a rise in departures of foreign students after completing their studies. Natural population increase contributed a modest 29,982 to the overall growth, with recorded births at 596,012 and deaths at 566,030, reflecting demo...