Immigration ‘to push population to 70m by 2030’
THE UK population is set to soar by 3.6 million over the next 10 years and pass 70 million by 2030, official figures reveal.
The prediction means an increase of 360,000 – equivalent to a city the size of Cardiff – every single year.
Migration, directly and indirectly, is projected to account for over threequarters of the increase by 2040.
Yesterday’s figures will pose a huge headache for ministers already struggling with bulging class sizes and a crisis-hit NHS and social care system.
The estimated mid-2016 population of 65.6 million will rise to 69.2 million in mid-2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The 70 million milestone will be reached by mid-2029 and by 2041 the figure will be almost 73 million.
Andrew Nash of the ONS said 54% of growth would come directly from net migration. But the increased number of migrant women of childbearing age between now and 2040 would push the figure to 77%.
Between mid-1991 and mid-2016 the population grew by 8.2 million (14.3%). That is forecast to rise to 16% between 2015 and 2040 compared with just 10% for France and 4% for Germany.
Population Matters director Robin Maynard warned: “This is unsustainable. Our environment and our infrastructure face unbearable pressure.”
14% UK population growth between mid-1991 and mid 2016 16% Projected UK population growth between 2016 and 2041
HUGE challenges are raised by a slowing population growth that would still see the number of people living in Britain top 70 million by the end of the next decade.
We need realistic responses in housing, health, social care and transport – because doing nothing isn’t an option.
People living longer is wonderful but the elderly require more assistance to enjoy meaningful lives which, in turn, requires long-term responses from politicians.
Don’t hold your breath.