What happens if Britain’s population hits 70m

Since 1997, record levels of immigration have boosted our population by more than 2 million, accounting for half the total estimated rise in population of about 4 million.

So is Britain getting full? With immigration projected to drive two thirds of our population growth, the polls suggest voters think the answer is “Yes”. Next to the economy, immigration is the second most important issue, beyond even crime and the NHS.

In last week’s televised election debate, all three main party leaders said they would be tough on immigration. The Office of National Statistics say that over the next two decades the UK population is on course to grow by eight million to 70m. That is roughly the equivalent of adding eight new cities, each the size of Birmingham.

Quality of life If that happens it will have profound implications for public policy: England expects to take 90% of that growth. Yet, aside from Malta, England is already the most densely populated country in Europe, according to UK and UN statistics.

Where will all the new houses and shops be built? And from where will come the tens of billions to build the infrastructure – the sewers, water treatment plants, power stations, railways lines, roads, schools, and hospitals? This, at a time when we are about to enter one of the most deep and sustained periods of public spending cuts in our history.

Most of the new homes are needed because more people are living longer or alone. But four of out of every 10 new households will be accounted for by immigration – the only factor amenable to government control. How might our quality of life be affected? Many of us could end up feeling distinctly squashed – new houses being built today already have the smallest dimensions in Europe.

The average commuting time to work is now among Europe’s longest. That is likely to grow as the number of households forming continues to out pace new home completions, driving up the price of properties and forcing people further from major towns and cities. For families not able to buy or rent privately, our growing population and the mass sale of the most desirable socially rented homes have contributed to an acute shortage of council housing.

In the London borough of Barking and Dagenham, up to 600 families compete for every three-bed home that becomes available. Katy Thorndike has been on the waiting list for more suitable accommodation for herself and her five children for five years. Her flat is riddled with damp and when it rains she says the carpets squelch.

She was born and raised locally but she believes migrant families have been getting preferential treatment. Housing crunch “We do see a lot of migrants coming into the borough and getting the properties straightaway, ” she said. “I do think it’s unfair. I’m stuck in a slum like this.” The far right BNP is challenging here, in what has been a traditionally safe Labour seat.
Miss Thorndike said she will not be voting BNP but added: “I’m not a racist, each to their own, but I do think that maybe people from this borough should be given preference over people who are not.” Barking and Dagenham council insist migrants do not get preference over housing allocations.

Read More: BBC News – Panorama – What happens if Britain’s population hits 70m?

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