What affect UK immigration on its population?

The population of the UK will pass the 70 million mark despite government policies planned to stop it, a think tank has predicted.

Migrationwatch UK warns the UK population, currently at approximately 61 million, will pass the 70 million figure by 2028 and around 70 per cent of that will be due to UK immigration.

In May this year, a research study carried out by YouGov claimed 70% of UK citizens interviewed want the number of UK immigrants cut to less than 50,000 people a year. And around 80 per cent of UK adults are “concerned” or “very concerned” about UK immigration.

Both Labour and the Conservatives have UK immigration policies aimed at curbing population growth on their agendas.

However, Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, warns: “The main parties talk tough on immigration, but they’re trying to ‘con’ the British public.”

Sir Andrew added: “According to Government figures, we can expect almost another 10 million people in England in 20 years time of which 7 million will be due to immigration – equivalent to seven cities the size of Birmingham.

“Current Labour policy won’t begin to address this. The Conservatives are barely better: despite their rhetoric, they have a lightweight policy that sounds tough but won’t deliver.

“Until the main parties decide to be honest about an issue crucial to the future of our society and until they get real about the measures needed, extremist groups will continue to have a ball.”

Around 130,000 UK work visas a year are given to non-EU workers.