Nigel Farage fumed as he revealed that the population of England and Wales rose by nearly 610,000 to 60.9 million last year in what is the biggest increase since records began.
Britain’s Office for National Statistics said the population increase in England and Wales was the largest in 75 years, when a post-World War Two baby boom and the return of British military personnel serving overseas caused a rise of 1.5 million.
The Reform UK leader, who became the MP for Clacton-on-Sea earlier this month, wrote on social media site X: “The population of England and Wales rose by nearly 610,000 to 60.9 million last year. That is the biggest increase since records began.”
Migration is the main reason for the increase with 1.084 million arrivals from abroad. This is counterbalanced by the departure of 462,000 leaving the country, giving a net inflow of 622,000.
It comes as newly-elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have both reaffirmed their plan to reduce net inflow. The previous Conservative government also introduced reforms to combat this, but did not manage to make a significant reduction.
Farage’s post has been subject to criticism, with some commenting on low birth rates and suggesting that immigration is needed to ensure the stability of the working age population.
Others are responding with concern for the increasing population suggesting a continued increase is unsustainable.
Reducing immigration was a main priority for those who voted for Brexit, and also those who backed Reform UK in this month’s General Election.
Farage, Leader of Reform UK, was elected as MP for Clacton in the recent General Election after standing as a candidate seven times before being successful.
It comes after, during an appearance on Sky News, Farage showed his support for Donald Trump after an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.
It has been suggested that Farage should increase his security following recent events, he said: “I have to say, I find it astonishing that Members of Parliament can walk out across the square and get on the London Underground.
“I find it astonishing that frankly more MPs aren’t attacked. That is how unpleasant so much of the narrative is, it’s become deeply personal and I’m afraid.”
