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UK population 'to hit 65m total' UK population 'to hit 65m total'
(about 2 hours later)
The population of the UK is set to increase by 4.4 million to 65 million by 2016, according to new projections.The population of the UK is set to increase by 4.4 million to 65 million by 2016, according to new projections.
The estimates by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) put the rise at equivalent to an average annual rate of growth of 0.7% over the period. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates 2.3 million of the rise would be a natural increase and 2.1 million down to migration.
Further projections say the population will pass 70 million in 2028 and reach 71 million by 2031.Further projections say the population will pass 70 million in 2028 and reach 71 million by 2031.
Forecasts of fertility, life expectancy and inward migration have all increased since they were last made in 2004.Forecasts of fertility, life expectancy and inward migration have all increased since they were last made in 2004.
Average ageAverage age
Population rises by 2016 are put at 8% for England, 7% for Northern Ireland and 5% for Wales. Estimates of the amount of migration inflow have been upped to a net 190,000 a year from 145,000 a year.
Total population rises by 2016 are put at 8% for England, 7% for Northern Ireland and 5% for Wales.
The figure is 3% for Scotland, where fertility and life expectancy are projected to remain lower than the rest of the UK.The figure is 3% for Scotland, where fertility and life expectancy are projected to remain lower than the rest of the UK.
The average age of Britons is expected to rise to from 39.6 years in 2006 to 40.6 years in 2016 and to 42.6 years by 2031.The average age of Britons is expected to rise to from 39.6 years in 2006 to 40.6 years in 2016 and to 42.6 years by 2031.
Numbers of people aged 75 and over are projected to increase from 4.7 million in 2006 to 5.5 million by 2016 and 8.2 million by 2031.Numbers of people aged 75 and over are projected to increase from 4.7 million in 2006 to 5.5 million by 2016 and 8.2 million by 2031.
The amount of people of working age is put at 38.6 million in 2010, 41.5 million by 2020 and 43.4 million by 2031, from 37.7 million in 2006. It underlines the need for swift and sweeping changes to the immigration system Liam ByrneImmigration Minister
Migration inflow The number of people of working age is put at 38.6 million in 2010, 41.5 million by 2020 and 43.4 million by 2031, from 37.7 million in 2006.
The 4.4 million rise by 2016 is projected to comprise a 2.3 million natural increase - an excess of births over deaths - and 2.1 million in net inward migration. The number of under-16s in the UK is projected to rise from 11.5 million in 2006 to 12.1 million by 2016 and nearly 13 million by 2031.
Estimates of the amount of migration inflow have been upped to a net 190,000 a year from 145,000 a year.
The total number of people aged under 16 in the UK is expected to rise from 11.5 million in 2006 to 12.1 million by 2016 and nearly 13 million by 2031.
At the other end of the age scale, the number of pensioners is expected exceed the under-16s by 400,000 in 2016 and by over 2 million in 2031.At the other end of the age scale, the number of pensioners is expected exceed the under-16s by 400,000 in 2016 and by over 2 million in 2031.
Estimates for 2007 show more pensioners than under-16s for the first time.Estimates for 2007 show more pensioners than under-16s for the first time.
Points system
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said the projections showed it was necessary to "take action" on inward migration.
He said: "Frankly, it underlines the need for swift and sweeping changes to the immigration system in the next 12 months, which will include the introduction of an Australian-style points based system, so only those that Britain needs can come to work and study."
Mr Byrne added: "I think it shows we are right to set the point score for new migrants by considering not only the good of the economy but the realities of immigration's wider impact."
Conservative spokesman Damian Green said it was "ever more urgent" for the government to control immigration.
He called for a "gradual and sensible growth of population rather than this headlong growth in population which is bound to put extra strain on public services such as provision of housing and education".
BBC News correspondent Jane Peel says the figures mark a "significant reassessment" for the ONS.BBC News correspondent Jane Peel says the figures mark a "significant reassessment" for the ONS.