The United Kingdom is experiencing one of the fastest population booms in its history, with new projections indicating that by 2035, the total population will reach 73 million. A quarter of the population (25%) will be first-generation migrants, marking a significant shift in the nation’s demographic landscape.
This growth is largely driven by high net migration, with economic opportunities, education, and global instability fueling the influx of people. While migration contributes to workforce expansion and economic growth, it also raises questions about housing, infrastructure, healthcare, and social integration.
In this article, we’ll break down the statistics behind these projections, examine the key factors driving population growth, and discuss how the UK can prepare for its evolving future.
Current Population Statistics in the UK
Before looking ahead, let’s examine where things stand today:
✔️ UK population in 2024: Around 67.6 million.
✔️ Projected population by 2035: 73 million (+5.4 million increase).
✔️ Net migration’s contribution: Expected to remain the largest driver of growth.
✔️ First-generation migrants today: Roughly 14 million (~20% of the population).
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports suggest that between 2022 and 2032, the UK will see a 7.3% population increase, driven primarily by immigration rather than natural growth (births exceeding deaths).
Why Is the UK’s Population Growing So Rapidly?
The surge in the UK’s population is largely due to three key factors:
1. High Net Migration
- The UK remains a top destination for international migration.
- Skilled workers, students, and refugees all contribute to the influx.
- Post-Brexit immigration policies have led to changes in where migrants come from, with more arrivals from non-EU countries.
2. Longer Life Expectancy
- Better healthcare and living standards mean people are living longer.
- The UK’s aging population contributes to overall growth, though it also presents challenges for pensions and healthcare.
3. Birth Rates vs. Migration
- The UK’s birth rate is declining (currently at 1.56 children per woman, below the replacement rate of 2.1).
- Migration more than offsets the population slowdown caused by lower birth rates.
Who Are the First-Generation Migrants Shaping Britain’s Future?
First-generation migrants are individuals who moved to the UK from another country, as opposed to being born in Britain.
✔️ Current number of first-generation migrants: 14 million (about 20% of the UK).
✔️ Expected by 2035: Nearly 18 million (~25% of the UK population).
✔️ Main countries of origin:
- India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, Philippines
- EU countries like Poland, Romania, and Italy
- Refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the Middle East
This growing community plays a major role in Britain’s economy, filling skill gaps in industries like healthcare, construction, and tech.
How Will This Impact the UK?
1. Economic Benefits and Workforce Growth
✔️ Migrants boost the UK’s labor force, filling key roles in healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
✔️ Higher migration helps offset the effects of an aging population, ensuring continued economic growth.
✔️ Skilled migrants contribute billions to the economy, both in taxes and consumer spending.
2. Pressure on Housing and Infrastructure
🚨 The UK is already facing a housing crisis, with high rents and a shortage of affordable homes.
🚨 A growing population means more demand for transport, schools, and hospitals.
🚨 Without careful urban planning, overcrowding in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester could become a major issue.
3. Strain on Public Services (NHS, Schools, Transport)
🏥 NHS demand will rise: More people = more pressure on hospitals and GPs.
🏫 Education funding needs to increase: More migrant families mean higher school enrollments.
🚆 Transport networks must expand: Cities will need better roads, railways, and public transport.
4. Social and Cultural Impact
Britain is already a multicultural society, and this trend will only deepen.
✔️ More diversity in workplaces, schools, and communities.
✔️ Stronger global ties due to a highly international population.
✔️ Potential challenges in integration, requiring investment in language and community programs.
How Is the Government Responding?
New Immigration Policies
The UK government has introduced stricter work visa rules and salary thresholds to manage migration levels. However, businesses warn that reducing migration too much could harm key industries.
Infrastructure Planning
The government is investing in:
✔️ Affordable housing projects to keep up with demand.
✔️ Expanding NHS capacity to handle a larger population.
✔️ Upgrading transport networks like HS2 and city metro systems.
Economic Strategies
With more people in the workforce, the UK is focusing on attracting high-skilled talent to boost industries like AI, finance, and clean energy.
How Does the UK Compare to Other Countries?
The UK is not alone in experiencing high migration-driven population growth.
📌 Germany – Also sees large-scale immigration, with over 22% of the population now foreign-born.
📌 Canada – Plans to increase its population to 100 million by 2100 through mass immigration.
📌 United States – Migration remains a key factor in its steady population growth.
The UK must learn from these nations by balancing economic benefits with sustainable urban development.
Public Opinion: What Do Brits Think?
Public reaction to these trends is divided:
✔️ Supporters argue that migration keeps the economy strong, enriches society, and helps fund pensions for an aging population.
❌ Critics worry about housing shortages, job competition, and pressure on public services.
Polls show that attitudes toward immigration fluctuate, depending on economic conditions and political messaging.
The Future: What Will Britain Look Like in 2050?
Beyond 2035, experts predict:
✔️ Population exceeding 80 million by 2050 if current trends continue.
✔️ A majority multicultural workforce, with more bilingual and multilingual citizens.
✔️ A shift in economic strategy, focusing on innovation and high-skilled migration.
To ensure long-term stability, the UK must invest in housing, education, and sustainable infrastructure while maintaining its global reputation as an attractive destination for talent.
Conclusion: Britain’s Growing and Changing Population
By 2035, 25% of the UK’s population will be first-generation migrants, and the country’s population will reach 73 million. This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges.
✔️ Migration will fuel economic growth and innovation.
✔️ Public services and housing must expand to accommodate a growing population.
✔️ Government policies must balance economic needs with infrastructure planning.
Britain is evolving into an even more global and diverse society, and preparing for this future requires smart investments and forward-thinking policies.
FAQs
🔴 1. How many migrants are currently in the UK?
As of 2024, about 20% of the UK population is foreign-born. This is expected to rise to 25% by 2035.
🔴 2. How does migration affect the UK economy?
Migration boosts the labor force, fills skill gaps, and contributes to tax revenues, but also increases demand for housing and services.
🔴 3. Is the UK population growing because of birth rates?
No, the UK’s birth rate is below replacement levels. Migration is the primary driver of population growth.
🔴 4. How will the UK handle a larger population?
The government is investing in housing, NHS expansion, and transport projects to accommodate growth.
🔴 5. Will the UK try to reduce migration?
New policies aim to limit lower-skilled migration, but industries still need foreign workers to thrive.
