Population jumps by 700,000 in a year, mostly due to migration
New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the population of England and Wales rose by more than 700,000 in the year to June 2024 – the second-largest annual increase in over 75 years.
According to the data, the estimated population reached 61.8 million, up from 61.1 million the previous year. The vast majority of this growth—over 690,000—was driven by international migration. Natural change (more births than deaths) played only a small role in the rise, adding fewer than 30,000 people to the population.
While overall migration numbers were lower than the record-breaking figures of the previous year (833,700), a net increase of 690,147 people still arrived in the UK during the 12 months leading up to June 2024. This is due to 1.14 million people moving to England and Wales and around 452,000 leaving.
Migration has been the leading contributor to population growth every year since 1999. Before that, growth was primarily fuelled by natural change.
This year’s jump in population is the second-largest since comparable ONS records began in 1949.
political reactions: pressure on the system and public sentiment
Immigration continues to be a major political issue, with both Labour and Conservative parties acknowledging the long-term pressures caused by rising numbers.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticised the previous Conservative government’s handling of the immigration system, citing a heavy reliance on overseas workers while local training was neglected. She stated that the new Labour government has introduced stricter visa rules and a stronger link between the points-based immigration system and the UK’s skills needs.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the current figures were “far too high,” pointing to the strain on housing and community integration. He claimed the Conservatives, under new leadership, are committed to reducing immigration through “serious, workable” reforms.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called the numbers “disastrous,” claiming they place unmanageable pressure on public services and worsen social division.
what’s behind the numbers?
The decline in net migration compared to 2023 appears to be linked to a fall in overseas workers and students arriving in the UK. The Conservative government’s early 2024 rule changes—such as banning care workers from bringing dependants and restricting family members for international students—have also played a part. At the same time, more international students are now leaving the UK after completing their studies.
The ONS also highlighted long-term trends such as declining birth rates and an ageing population. While some regions—including London and the south-east—saw a slight population boost from natural change, others experienced more deaths than births.
Fertility rates remain historically low. Between 2022 and 2023, women in England and Wales had an average of 1.44 children—the lowest rate ever recorded.
Over the past decade, the East Midlands has seen the fastest population growth (9.1%), while the north-east grew at the slowest pace (5.7%).
