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UK Net Migration Drops 69%, Population to Peak 72.5 M

4/29/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Net migration to Britain fell 69% year-on-year, reaching 204,000 in the 12 months to June.
The UK will see negative natural change from 2026 as deaths exceed births each year.
The Office for National Statistics projects the population will rise to 71 million by 2034, peak 72.5 million in the mid-2050s, then gradually decline.
Economist Charlie McCurdy warns slower workforce growth could cut tax receipts and add £3 billion to borrowing by 2030.

History

Historical Context

The United Kingdom’s demographic transition shifted in the 1970s when, after decades of growth, net migration turned negative and the 1971 census recorded roughly 55.9 million people, marking the first post-war population drop. Since the 1990s, immigration has driven growth, but ONS projections now show the total peaking near 72 million before a future decline, echoing the 1970s trend.

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Story summary

Net migration to Britain fell 69% year-on-year, reaching 204,000 in the 12 months to June.
The UK will see negative natural change from 2026 as deaths exceed births each year.
The Office for National Statistics projects the population will rise to 71 million by 2034, peak 72.5 million in the mid-2050s, then gradually decline.
Economist Charlie McCurdy warns slower workforce growth could cut tax receipts and add £3 billion to borrowing by 2030.

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