Immigration Pushes UK Population to 69.3 Million, Second-Biggest Rise Since 1950

The United Kingdom’s population reached about 69.3 million by mid-2024, driven largely by net international migration, according to the Office for National Statistics. The increase of 755,300 people between mid-2023 and mid-2024 marks the second-largest annual jump since 1950, with only the prior year’s estimated rise of 890,049 larger. The data underscore the long-running role of migration in shaping population growth, outpacing natural changes from births and deaths.

The gain was led by England, where the population rose by about 1.2 percent in the year, followed by Scotland at 0.7 percent, Wales at 0.6 percent and Northern Ireland at 0.4 percent. The shift in numbers reflects how immigration continues to be the dominant factor in population growth in recent years, a point highlighted by the ONS.

Births over the year totaled 662,148, the lowest figure in at least 42 years, while deaths were 645,909—the lowest since mid-2019. The natural change, a net increase of 16,239 people, was therefore modest in comparison to the population rise. The ONS emphasized that the main driver remained international migration; long-term net migration added about 738,700 to the population in the year to June 2024.

In the 12 months to June 2024, the UK saw an estimated 1,235,254 arrivals and 496,536 departures, a pattern that feeds the near-term population trajectory. The large inflow sits within a longer-term trend dating back to the turn of the century, in which migration has repeatedly outweighed natural change in boosting the population. Officials cautioned that the pace of growth reflects ongoing demographic dynamics rather than a one-off spike.

The release came as Labour leader Keir Starmer sought to present himself as serious about curbing arrivals amid political debate over Channel crossings and asylum hotels. Party critics have pressed for a clearer plan on immigration, while some opponents have urged an end to more permissive relocation and leave-to-remain arrangements. The data provide the newest snapshot of where the country stands as policymakers weigh how to respond to rising public concern about immigration levels, while continuing to rely on migration as a key component of population growth.

Nigel Henretty of the ONS said the UK population has increased each year since mid-1982, and that the rate of growth has been higher in recent years. “The rise seen in the year to mid-2024 represents the second-largest annual increase in numerical terms in over 75 years. Net international migration continues to be the main driver of this growth, continuing the long-term trend seen since the turn of the century.”