
During a recent parliamentary meeting, Labour MP Dame Angela Eagle asked a witness about concerns regarding population changes in the UK. She questioned the witness about worries over the decreasing percentage of the indigenous white British population and asked for a definition of what that term means.
The witness, who migrated to the UK in the mid-1950s, explained that back then, ethnic minorities made up about 4% of the population, based on the 1951 census. Today, that number has grown to about 25%, with most of the increase happening in the past 30 years. The witness said they felt the country was changing very quickly in a way that many people might not want.
The UK has seen a significant rise in immigration over the years. Historical records show that in 1951, around 4.3% of people in England and Wales were born in other countries. By 2011, this had increased to 13.4%. More recently, in the year ending June 2023, the UK had its highest-ever net migration, with 1.26 million people moving in and 493,000 leaving, meaning a net increase of 906,000.
Most of these new arrivals came from countries outside the European Union, including India, China, and Pakistan. Because of this, the total UK population reached 68.3 million in mid-2023, marking the fastest population growth in at least 50 years.
The rising number of migrants has led to different opinions on the issue. Some believe immigration is important for economic growth, as it helps fill job shortages and supports an aging population with fewer young workers.
Others worry that the country’s housing, healthcare, and schools might struggle to keep up with the rapid increase in people. They argue that while immigration brings benefits, the government needs to make sure the UK has enough services and infrastructure to handle the changes smoothly.
Discussions on this topic have been ongoing for years. Some people feel the UK should have stricter immigration controls to protect its identity and way of life. Others believe that diversity is part of what makes the country strong and that welcoming migrants is an important part of modern society.
The government continues to face challenges in balancing these concerns while ensuring the economy grows and communities remain stable. The debate over immigration, population changes, and national identity is expected to remain a key issue in UK politics for years to come.