Nigel Farage has disclosed that the population of England and Wales increased by nearly 610,000 to 60.9 million last year, marking the largest increase since records began.

Britain's Office for National Statistics reported that this population surge in England and Wales is the largest in 75 years, since a post-World War Two baby boom and the return of British military personnel from overseas led to an increase of 1.5 million. The Reform UK leader, who recently became the MP for Clacton-on-Sea, stated on X: "The population of England and Wales rose by nearly 610,000 to 60.9 million last year. That is the biggest increase since records began."

The primary reason for the increase is migration, with over 1 million arrivals from abroad, offset by the departure of 462,000 people, resulting in a net inflow of 622,000.

This news comes as newly-elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have reiterated their commitment to reducing net inflow. Despite the previous Conservative government's efforts to introduce reforms aimed at reducing immigration, they were unable to achieve a significant decrease. Farage's post has drawn criticism, with some highlighting low birth rates and arguing that immigration is necessary to maintain the stability of the working-age population.

Others have expressed concerns over the sustainability of the increasing population. Reducing immigration was a key priority for those who voted for Brexit and supporters of Reform UK in this month's General Election.