Britain has continued to experience the greatest population growth in 75 years from immigration, according to the latest ONS figures.
The population of England and Wales has grown by over 700,000 in the year to June 2024.
This figure is the second largest annual increase in 75 years.
Immigration has been responsible for 98 per cent of the massive increase, with two per cent, or just 29,982, from the difference in birth/death rates.
There were an estimated 61.8 million people in England and Wales in mid-2024, up 706,881 from 61.1 million in mid-2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This figure equals a 1.2 per cent rise.
It is the second largest numerical jump since at least 1949, when comparable data began, behind only the rise of 821,210 that took place in the preceding 12 months from mid-2022 to mid-2023.
There were slightly more births, 596,012, than deaths, 566,030, in the year to mid-2024.
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Britain has continued to experience the greatest population growth in 75 years from immigration, according to the latest ONS figures
Commenting on the population explosion, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “These figures are disastrous for the quality of life for everyone in the country.
“It puts impossible pressures on public services and further divides our communities.”
Reform MP, Richard Tice, said: “These new mass immigration figures cause the huge population increase of over 700,000 in one year.
“They are deeply concerning and have serious implications for the housing crisis, crime rates, and quality of life across Britain.
“The UK cannot benefit from, or cope with such high levels of unvetted, low skilled immigration.
“We need economic policies that support British families, encourage higher birth rates, and ensure that the interests of the British public come first.”
ONS
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The population continues to grow in England and Wales
Nigel Henretty, from the ONS, said the population of England and Wales had increased faster in recent years than historically, despite a slight increase each year since mid-1982.
He said: “Net international migration continues to be the main driver of this growth, continuing the long-term trend seen since the turn of the century.”
The UK population exceeded France for the first time on record this year after it rose to 68.3 million in mid-2023 overtaking the 68.2 million that live accross the Channel.
The national office has also predicted a continued population explosion to 73.7 million by mid-2036, hitting the 70 million mark a decade earlier than previously thought.
ONS | Net migration forecasts have been upgraded since last yearRecent findings from Ipsos indicate that 49 per cent of British women between 18 and 50 years old have either postponed childbearing plans or chosen not to have children at all.
This represents a four-percentage-point increase from the 45 per cent recorded in October 2022.
Men in the same age bracket show lower rates, with 40 per cent reporting they have postponed or abandoned parenthood plans, whilst the overall figure for all British adults aged 18-50 stands at 44 per cent.
Financial considerations emerged as the primary deterrent, with 39 per cent citing the expense of child-rearing and 36 per cent pointing to broader living costs.
Childcare expenses influenced 29 per cent of respondents, whilst 30 per cent indicated that either they or their partner simply preferred not to expand their family.
In May, the Government unveiled its plans to cut immigration.
These included cuts to legal migration routes, stricter English requirements and tightening the rules for some work visas.
