The UK Office for National Statistics announced today that the population of the United Kingdom is expected to increase by 6.1 million by mid-2036 due to immigration. This official forecast is likely to increase pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to curb immigration ahead of the elections.
According to the office, the UK population is projected to rise from 67 million in mid-2021 to 73.7 million by mid-2036, driven almost entirely by an increase in the number of incoming migrants. The statistics indicate that the jump over the 15 years reflects expectations of a birth surplus over deaths of about 541,000, alongside a total of 6.1 million international migrants.
Figures released in November showed that the net annual immigration rate to the UK hit a record high of 745,000 people in 2022 and has remained high since then, with many migrants coming from countries such as India, Nigeria, and China, rather than the European Union.
The forecasts released today assume that the net immigration level will be 315,000 people annually starting from the year ending mid-2028. Sunak faces pressure to reduce the high level of legal immigration, which has long dominated the political landscape in Britain and will be a key issue in the expected elections later this year.
Last month, the British government announced stricter visa requirements, including raising the minimum salary threshold and tightening restrictions on certain migrants bringing their families, in an attempt to lower numbers. This move was criticized by businesses and trade unions. The Office for National Statistics also stated that the UK population is expected to reach 70 million by mid-2026.
