Author: PellucidPellucid
Date: May 6, 2008 07:31
Population figures spark fears
8:12am today
England is set to become the most crowded country in Europe as its
population grows by a third over the next 50 years, according to official
projections.
There are currently some 50 million people in England, but by 2056 this
could hit 68 million - 1,349 for every square mile.
The population density now is about 1,010. In London, the figure could rise
from 12,377 to 13,910 over the next two decades.
The Tories, who obtained the data from the Office for National Statistics,
demanded restrictions on migration levels.
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "This demonstrates the real
pressure public services are being put under as a result of Labour's
immigration policy."
London aside, the biggest population rises will be in the East and South
West of England, up 16%% by 2029, while the North East is expected to remain
static.
Scotland's level will remain the same at 171 per square mile; Wales will
have 15%% more residents by 2056 and Northern Ireland will have a fifth more.
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