Record Population Increase
Ballooning migration has led to the fastest rise in Britain's population in over five decades, with total UK residents reaching 68,265,200 in June last year. This marks a 0.97% increase, the largest since records began in 1971.
Runaway Net Migration
The population surge was driven by runaway net migration as the number of deaths surpassed births for the first time. In the year leading up to June, an additional 662,400 people were absorbed into the UK.
Call for Tougher Border Controls
The Office for National Statistics data has reignited calls for stricter border controls, with Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick advocating for an annual cap on net migration to alleviate the strain on public services, housing, and communities. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage highlighted the declining quality of life due to the population crisis.
Migration Curbs and Visa Issuance
In the year up to June, 1.16 million visas were issued for work, study, or family reunification. Previous migration curbs aimed to prevent individuals from bringing dependents into the country. Sir Keir Starmer aims to reduce net migration by restricting the hiring of cheap foreign labor.
Government's Stance on Migration
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman emphasized the need to lower overall net migration and address skill shortages within the UK, discouraging the use of legal migration as a solution to labor deficits.
