Migration drives UK's largest population increase since 1971

8 October 2024, 12:31

Crowd Of Commuters Walking To Work Across London Bridge.
Crowd Of Commuters Walking To Work Across London Bridge. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

The UK’s population has increased by 1% in the last year, mostly because of migration, according to a new report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The population of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland grew from approximately 67.6 million in 2022 to 68.3 million in 2023.

This boost of 662,400 marked an increase of around 1%, according to the ONS.

This marks the largest numerical increase in a one year period since records began in 1971.

Read more: 'Flee or die,' Florida residents warned, as 180mph Hurricane Milton barrels towards major city

The ONS said: "Net international migration was the main contributor to population increase for all four countries of the UK in the year to mid-2023.”

Britain's population has increased by 1% over the last year, a new report has said.
Britain's population has increased by 1% over the last year, a new report has said. Picture: Getty

Around 677,300 migrated to the UK during that period.

There were an estimated 16,300 more deaths than births across the UK in the year to mid-2023.

With the exception of the Covid-19 pandemic year of 2020, this is the first time since the mid-1970s there has been a negative natural change in the population, with more deaths taking place than births.

England makes up the vast majority of the UK’s population, with 57.7 million people in mid-2023.

Oxford Street, London.
Oxford Street, London. Picture: Alamy

Wales had a population of 3.2 million, Scotland 5.5 million and Northern Ireland 1.9 million.

The UK’s population is on course to hit 73.7 million by mid-2036, this includes a net international migration of 6.1 million.

All estimates are likely to be revised within the next year as new data becomes available and improvements to estimates of international migration continue to be made, the ONS added.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Social media footage showed a man being kicked on the ground by his knife-wielding attacker.

Two charged by police after shock footage shows man kicked and spat at by knifeman after ‘burning Koran’ in London

Jannik Sinner

World tennis number one Jannik Sinner handed three-month ban for doping

Keith Edun, 47, used the messaging app “Kik” to spread vile images of children

Predator who encouraged man to rape a baby after sharing vile images of children online is jailed for 21 years

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

Zelenskyy calls for creation of ‘European army’ as he warns Russia 'will pull Europe apart' if not defeated

The woman who said she was raped by rappers and business moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2000, when she was 13, has dropped her civil lawsuit against both men.

Woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of raping her when she was 13 drops lawsuit

Liam Payne died last Wednesday.

One Direction star Liam Payne was 'sectioned' after near-fatal overdose months before death, close friend claims

Hamas hands over 3 Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip to Red Cross

Israeli hostages paraded on stage before being freed - as four Palestinian prisoners released in 'critical condition'

uk british national lottery euromillions ticket with picks

Winning numbers revealed as single UK EuroMillions ticket holder scoops massive £65million Valentine’s Day jackpot

The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt

Manhunt launched after woman seriously injured at village pub in Valentine's Day 'shooting'

Rob and Lindsey Burrow a few weeks before he died

Rob Burrow's wife reveals heartbreaking moment she knew rugby league star 'couldn't go on' with MND struggle

Axel Rudakubana will be 'target number one' in prison

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentence won't be referred to Court of Appeal despite claims it's 'unduly lenient'

The damaged shield

'Risk of radioactive leak' after Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl, causing 'significant damage'

The fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse

Fire engulfs celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse as 100 evacuated from luxury hotel

Trump confirms he will meet Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks'

Trump to meet with Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks' - as JD Vance slams Europe in fiery speech

Both Meghan and Kate shared Valentine's pictures

Harry and Meghan share sweet Valentine's photo after William and Kate also post romantic picture

Jaden Sheriff.

Man found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend's neighbour over 'blue balls', sentenced to life imprisonment