Population Problems

Britain’s population has increased dramatically in the last 400 years.

Year ........... Population
1600 ...'.,..'.. 4 million
1700 .. .'...... 5 million
1801 .. ',...... 8 million (first census result)
1851 .....'... 20 million (big increase due to industrial revolution)
1901 ....'.... 40 million
1951 .. ,,',.. 50 million
2007 ... ,.... 62 million

Britain’s population is now increasing fast due to immigration and a high birthrate amongst the ethnic minorities. The birthrate amongst the indigenous British population is running at only 1.66 children per woman – less than the replacement level of 2.2.

England is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
The current population density of England = 383 people / sq. km.
England’s population density is more than three times the European average of 117 people / sq. km.

In comparison:-

Population density of Germany = 232 people / sq. km
Population density of France = 110 people / sq. km.
Population density of the USA = 31 people / sq. km. (yes 31)

Population density of our area:-

Population density of Barnsley = 675 people / sq. km.
Population density of Wakefield = 947 people / sq. km.
Population density of Sheffield = 1415 people / sq. km.
Population density of Leeds = 1311 people / sq. km.
Population density of Kirklees = 966 people / sq. km.

These areas include not just the town or city centres but the entire political boundaries.

(Note: all these figures taken from Wikipedia)

So in Barnsley each person has a patch of land only 38m x 38m.
In other words if the population of Barnsley was equally distributed around the Borough we would each be standing 38m from our nearest neighbour. In Sheffield this would be 26m.

A high population density directly affects quality of life.

1) Shortage of land causes house prices to rocket. Many people can’t afford a place of their own and are forced to live with parents or friends. If they can afford to buy a house it will be smaller and more cramped. High housing costs also reduce disposable income.

2) Congestion on the roads becomes horrendous. Going anywhere in the car becomes a nightmare as so many people are travelling at once. Parking also becomes more difficult.

3) More building = less green spaces = a less pleasant environment.

4) Britain’s wildlife habitat is reduced because of the need to build more houses. As a result many species will disappear altogether from this country. We are all poorer as a result.

Population World Map. (Click the map to enlarge)

Apart from this there is the question of food supply. Currently Britain imports over 60% of its food from abroad. As the world’s oil supply is depleted in the next 30 to 50 years it is going to become necessary for Britain to grow most of its own food, thus avoiding transport costs which will become astronomical. Britain will simply not have enough land to feed itself. We will starve.

Despite all this the Labour Party still insists we need to allow many millions more people to come into this country from overseas. Are they mad?