Babies born here in the UK and NOT immigration are responsible for the rise in most of England and Wales’ ethnic group populations, according to new research from Manchester.
The University of Manchester’s Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity suggests that the growth in the populace of Pakistani and Bangladeshi was 50% each, but neither increase was significantly due to an influx from abroad.
However, the average number of children from these particular backgrounds had reduced to three per person.
The study also shows the Caribbean community had increased by 5% – a statistic purely down to more births than deaths in England and Wales.
Professor Ludi Simpson, the investigation’s lead researcher, said “This research shows categorically that, contrary to popular opinion, our diversity is home grown.
He added that by examining the changing age structure of each ethnic group between censuses, his team had estimated the significance of migration, births and deaths, and changing fertility patterns.
The investigation found immigration was key for Indian growth, though it did acknowledge that many were students.
It also revealed that the number of Irish people living in England and Wales dropped by 18%, as a result of its older makeup.
For newer ethnic groups, such as Eastern European, African and Chinese populations, immigration accounted for much of their expansion – between 70% and 100% in total since 2001.
Professor Simpson said: “Immigration into the UK tends be of young adults, who add to the productive workforce and start new families.
“We are now seeing the product of these previous migrations: there are many more births than deaths.
“It’s not until many years later that those who emigrated become elderly and suffer significant numbers of deaths.”
Analysis also disclosed mixed race residents as being the youngest ethnic group, with a quarter of all mixed race population increase down to immigration.
Picture courtesy of Rob Bakkers, with thanks.
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