British population may surpass 75M by 2051

LONDON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A study of British population figures indicates that by the middle of the century, the population in the United Kingdom could surpass 75 million.

Thanks primarily to the higher birth rate of migrant families throughout Britain, the country's population continues to increase and figures project it could increase by nearly 15 million by 2051, The Sunday Telegraph said.

The prediction, which is expected to be confirmed this week by federal population experts, is a dramatic increase from a 2005 prediction for the middle of the century. That forecast estimated that by 2051, the United Kingdom population would only reach 69 million overall.

That striking increase in population estimates has been labeled problematic by the British shadow immigration minister, Damian Green.

"We can't go on like this. Increasing the population gradually is one thing, but a headlong, unplanned rise is creating problems for public services and possible social tensions," he said. "This needs urgent action from the government."

The Telegraph said in addition to birth rate increases, the rise has been blamed on increased immigration and prolonged longevity among the country's residents.