More people left the UK last year than in any year since 1991, statistics just released suggest.
More people left the UK last year than in any year since current records began in 1991, statistics show.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that some 385,000 people left the UK for the long term in the year to mid-2006.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that some 385,000 people left the UK for the long term in the year to mid-2006.
Long-term migration into the UK, meanwhile, was 574,000.
Long-term migration into the UK, meanwhile, was 574,000.
The figures show the UK's population grew to 60,587,000 - an increase of 349,000 (0.6%). They also suggest there were 159,000 more births than deaths.
The figures show the UK's population grew to 60,587,000 - an increase of 349,000 (0.6%). They also suggest there were 159,000 more births than deaths.
Of those who left the UK last year, 196,000 were British citizens while 189,000 were "long-term migrants" who had been living in the UK for more than a year.
Of those who left the UK last year, 196,000 were British citizens while 189,000 were "long-term migrants" who had been living in the UK for more than a year.
The latest figures available from the ONS for the most popular places among emigrating Britons show that [from January 2004 to December 2005] Australia was the most popular.
The latest figures available from the ONS for the most popular places among emigrating Britons show that [from January 2004 to December 2005] Australia was the most popular.
TOP TEN EMIGRATION COUNTRIES FOR UK CITIZENS - 2004 & 2005 Australia - 71,000Spain - 58,000France - 42,000New Zealand - 30,000USA - 25,000Canada - 17,000Netherlands - 8,000UAE - 7,000Germany - 6,000South Africa - 6,000 Source of estimates: ONS
TOP TEN EMIGRATION COUNTRIES FOR UK CITIZENS - 2004 & 2005 Australia - 71,000Spain - 58,000France - 42,000New Zealand - 30,000USA - 25,000Canada - 17,000Netherlands - 8,000UAE - 7,000Germany - 6,000South Africa - 6,000 Source of estimates: ONS
Those figures - published in April - suggest that, over that two year period, 71,000 British citizens started new lives in Australia compared with 58,000 in Spain and 42,000 in France.
Those figures - published in April - suggest that, over that two year period, 71,000 British citizens started new lives in Australia compared with 58,000 in Spain and 42,000 in France.
Dean Morgan, of the website workpermit.com, said the bad summer weather had led to a large number of inquiries about emigration.
Dean Morgan, of the website workpermit.com, said the bad summer weather had led to a large number of inquiries about emigration.
"Normally in July and August time its quite quiet but this year we've been inundated," he told BBC News.
"Normally in July and August time its quite quiet but this year we've been inundated," he told BBC News.
"Perception of crime is another of the main reasons for people wanting to leave," he said.
"Perception of crime is another of the main reasons for people wanting to leave," he said.
"Also, people are worried about their children and they worry about their jobs and their future here and possibly the economy as well."
"Also, people are worried about their children and they worry about their jobs and their future here and possibly the economy as well."
Australia seemed to be the most popular destination for emigration, Mr Morgan continued.
Australia seemed to be the most popular destination for emigration, Mr Morgan continued.
"New Zealand, Canada and South Africa are also popular," he added.
"New Zealand, Canada and South Africa are also popular," he added.
Population growth
Population growth
The statistics released on Wednesday also suggested that the number of people aged 85 or over grew by 6% to 1,243,000 while the number of people of retirement age increased by 1% to 11,344,000.
The statistics released on Wednesday also suggested that the number of people aged 85 or over grew by 6% to 1,243,000 while the number of people of retirement age increased by 1% to 11,344,000.
The largest population growth, by district, was 14% in Westminster, followed by Camden and South Northamptonshire - both 12%.
The largest population growth, by district, was 14% in Westminster, followed by Camden and South Northamptonshire - both 12%.
The populations of Forest Heath and Rutland grew by 11%.
The populations of Forest Heath and Rutland grew by 11%.
The greatest reductions at 2% were in Rushmoor, Middlesbrough, Sefton and Burnley.
The greatest reductions at 2% were in Rushmoor, Middlesbrough, Sefton and Burnley.
The average age was 39 compared with just over 34 in 1971.
The average age was 39 compared with just over 34 in 1971.
The method by which migration statistics are compiled changed in 1991, making some comparisons with earlier figures difficult.
The method by which migration statistics are compiled changed in 1991, making some comparisons with earlier figures difficult.
Have you recently left the UK? Are you intending to leave? What motivated you to make the move? Send us your comments using the form below.
Have you recently left the UK? Are you intending to leave? What motivated you to make the move? Send us your comments using the form below.
