Ministers ‘in denial’ over immigration
More than nine out of ten immigrants who come to the UK settle in England, according to figures uncovered by MPs.
Since 1991 more than 2,300,000 have moved to this country with England absorbing 2,149,000, or 92%.
That compares to net immigration of 105,000 in Scotland, 56,000 in Wales and 27,000 in Northern Ireland.
The statistics, covering 1991 to 2007, were released by the government in answer to a parliamentary question by Nicholas Soames MP, co-chair of the cross-party group on balanced migration.
They show that England absorbed 20 times more international migrants than Scotland, despite the population of England being only ten times larger and it became home to 11 times more migrants than Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland combined, even though England is only five times bigger.
Predictions show a growing imbalance. England is estimated to account for 95% of the expected population increase in the UK by 2051, including seven million immigrants.
Mr Soames and Frank Field MP, who co-chair the balanced migration cross party group, said immigration was overwhelmingly an issue for England.
They added: ‘England can expect a population increase of nearly ten million people in the next 20 years or so, of which seven million will be thanks to new immigration.
‘The political establishment is in denial on immigration – even though it is of concern to nearly 80% of the population.
‘If they are to reconnect with the people of England after the current political crisis, politicians must end their timidity, silence and inaction on this critical issue.’
Members of the balanced migration group include former union leader Lord Jordan, Muslim peer Lord Ahmed, and former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey.
The Home Office said that migration brings benefits to the UK but was aware of its impacts which was why the government was controlling migration.
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