London (Business Emerge), October 8: The population of the United Kingdom reached 68.3 million as of mid-2023, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. According to official statistics, this growth was primarily fueled by net international migration, which contributed significantly to the population rise across all four UK nations—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Net migration has consistently been the key factor behind the population surge, with England and Wales experiencing a 1% increase in their populations, and Scotland and Northern Ireland seeing smaller growth rates of 0.8% and 0.5% respectively. Notably, England and Wales recorded a combined rise of 610,000 people, representing the largest yearly jump in 75 years.
In contrast, the natural change in population, calculated as the difference between births and deaths, decreased by 16,300 during this period. This figure defies earlier projections by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which had anticipated a decline in natural growth only by the mid-2030s. The shift points toward broader demographic trends, with fewer births and an aging population contributing to the slowdown.
Immigration patterns have shifted dramatically in the years following Brexit. While fewer European Union nationals have been migrating to the UK due to stricter visa rules, new work visa policies have encouraged an influx of migrants from countries such as India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. These newcomers have been instrumental in filling critical roles in the health and social care sectors, among other industries.
The issue of immigration remains a politically sensitive topic, particularly as public services face challenges due to previous underinvestment. In August 2023, far-right groups organized protests opposing immigration policies, reflecting ongoing public concern. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a more pragmatic stance on immigration since taking office in July, abandoning the controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a hallmark of the previous Conservative government.
Despite the political tensions, the Labour government under Starmer continues to emphasize that immigration will be handled with a balanced and strategic approach, ensuring that the UK economy benefits from a skilled workforce while addressing public concerns.