Large-scale Immigration: Its economic and demographic consequences for the UK
Robert Rowthorn, August 2014
Immigration is frequently described as providing a counter-balance to the UK’s ageing population. As an ever-larger proportion of British residents is retired, large numbers of immigrants help keep the average age down and contribute much-needed taxes to the Treasury coffers. But how much does Britain benefit – and how do this compare with the costs of a growing population?
In this new analysis of the economic and demographic consequences of current levels of immigration, the distinguished Cambridge economist Robert Rowthorn finds that the potential economic gains from immigration are modest compared with the strains placed on amenities such as housing, land, schools, hospitals, water supply and transport systems.
While GDP as a whole will grow with increased immigration, Rowthorn notes, GDP per capita – a much better indicator of the nation’s wealth – will be only marginally affected by the enormous population growth forecast for the coming century. He cites the Office for National Statistics’ high migration scenario, which sees growth in the UK population of 20 million over the next 50 years and 29 million over the next 75 years – entirely from migration. This is equivalent to adding a city almost the size of Birmingham to the UK population every two-and-a-half years for the next 75 years.
‘…the only thing that is certain is that immigration on the present scale, if it continues, will lead to much faster population growth and a much larger total GDP than would otherwise be the case, with consequent pressure on infrastructure and the environment…’
“A thorough examination of the conflicting academic literature on the economic costs and benefits of immigration… provides new material for politicians and voters to chew on as the general election approaches. The hope must be that the parties will be more honest at that election than they have been in the past”
The Times
“Unrestrained population growth would eventually have a negative impact on the standard of living through its environmental effects such as overcrowding, congestion and loss of amenity,” Rowthorn writes.
In the Media
Mass immigration is bringing down living standards, economist claims The Times
Mass immigration could see water shortages, failing hospitals – and we won’t feel richer The Daily Telegraph
Mass immigration: Report warns of strain on Britain’s infrastructure caused by population growth The Independent
How mass migration hurts us all Daily Mail
About the Author
Robert Rowthorn is Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of King’s College. He is the author of several books including De-industrialisation and Foreign Trade (with John Wells), and academic articles on economic growth, structural change, employment and migration.
He has been a consultant to the International Monetary Fund, the UN Commission on Trade and Development and the International Labour organisation, as well as to British government departments and a variety of private sector firms and organisations.
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