UK Immigration: Official projections indicate that immigration is set to contribute 6.1M individuals to the UK population by mid-2036, creating a challenging scenario for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of an upcoming election.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) forecasted that the UK‘s population, currently at 67M as of mid-2021, will surge to 73.7M by mid-2036, predominantly fuelled by migration.
UK Immigration Updates
In a politically charged landscape, migration has emerged as a focal point, and it is expected to play a significant role in the impending national vote where the ruling Conservatives, led by Sunak, face potential challenges.
The 15-year projection also accounts for 541K more births than deaths, as highlighted by the ONS.
Recent data from November revealed a record annual net migration of 745K individuals to the UK in 2022, a trend that has remained high. The ONS projections hinge on an assumption of an annual net migration level of 315K people from the year ending mid-2028 onward.
In response to the escalating numbers, Sunak’s government has implemented stricter visa measures, including elevated salary thresholds and constraints on family member entry, aiming to reduce immigration.
However, these measures faced criticism from businesses and trade unions, asserting that such actions could exacerbate labour shortages in both the private sector and the state-run health service.
The unfolding immigration dynamics add complexity to the political landscape as the UK approaches a pivotal election.
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