UK Population to be Made Up of 20 Percent Ethnic Minorities by 2051

It now seems that a new projection for the British population over the next 40 years has been made. Apparently, the growth of ethnic groups outside of white British majority is set to grow rapidly.

According to reports, ethnic minorities will make up a fifth of Britain's population by 2051. This is being compared to the 8 percent that was seen in 2001. This news comes by way of a new projection that was just recently released by the University of Leeds.

The figures go on to show that Britain's total population will grow to 77.7 million. These projections also indicated that the UK will become far less segregated as ethnic groups disperse throughout the whole country. Back in October, the Office for National Statistics predicted that the population would exceed 70 million by 2029.

Of course, researchers have found some striking differences in the respective growth rates of the 16 ethnic groups that were studied. While White British and Irish groups are excepted to grow, they will grow the most slowly. The so called “other” white group is projected to grow the fastest. This is driven by emigration from Europe, Australasia and United States. Traditional emigration groups from south Asian origins, are expected to grow rapidly as well.

These initial findings for the three-year study include population projections for 352 local authorities in England. It also includes projections from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales for each year until 2051.

Professor Philip Rees of Leeds University, said that the ethnic makeup of the UK's population is evolving significantly. He went on to say that groups outside the white British majority are increasing in size and share. This includes more than just the areas of initial emigration; this includes the whole country.