Overview

• Population of England and Wales rose by 706,881 to 61.8 million in the year to mid-2024, marking the second-largest annual increase since WWII.
• Net international migration was positive in 317 of 318 local authorities, with Newham, Luton and Coventry among hotspots where migrants constitute over 4% of residents.
• The City of London recorded the highest migration share at 10.8%, while South Holland was the sole area to register net emigration.
• Experts and the Office for Budget Responsibility warn that sustained migration-driven growth is overwhelming public services and urge reforms to strengthen border controls and boost domestic workforce participation.
• The government has released an Immigration White Paper, tightened visa requirements and struck a one-for-one migrant swap agreement with France to curb inflows.