UK Immigration Fuels Baby Boom

July 11 2008 by Tamar Blieden

The fertility rate in the UK has risen, reaching its highest levels in 34 years. This is boosting population figures which have resulted in the biggest population increase in half a century. And it is the ever-growing UK immigrant population that is fuelling such a jump.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there is a current baby boom in Britain with almost 700 000 babies being born in England and Wales last year. One in four, or a quarter, of these babies is born to mothers who are not UK citizens.

"The UK is one of the most common immigration destinations, providing good job prospects and money making opportunities especially when a foreigner has sought after skills," says Bryan Palmer of www.globalvisas.com, visa and immigration experts. He adds that, "The open door policy with the European Union has also resulted in many EU citizens starting a new life in the United Kingdom. This has clearly directly affected population figures."

Despite immigrants contributing to society and adding to cultural diversity, this influx will put a huge strain on public services, complain government opposition. Housing, health, education and transport are expected to be affected by rising numbers. Rising population figures is expected to add the equivalent of a large city like London or ten towns every year.

It is estimated that the UK will be home to 65 million people in ten years time; this would be a five million person increase from today's figures. And according to ONS statisticians quoted by the Telegraph, 70% of this rise in population numbers can directly be attributed to the influx of immigration.

Not only are immigrants flocking into the country but highly fertile younger immigrants are having babies there too. British women bare an average of 1.7 children, while foreign mothers have about 2.5 with Pakistani birth rates as high as five children per mother.

The West Midlands has the highest fertility rate in Britain, with each mother having an average of 2.04 children.

In order for the government to cope with this rapid rise, calls for service restructuring have taken place and there is an active focus to secure borders and tighten immigration routes.

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