Net migration could fuel a rise in the UK population to 72.5 million by 2032, figures suggest. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has projected a population growth of 7.3% between 2022 and 2032, compared with an increase of 6.1% over the previous 10 years.

The UK’s population will rise by about 5mn to 72.5mn in the decade to 2032, driven by more international migration than previously projected and by lower fertility resulting in the same number of births as deaths, according to official data.

The UK population is projected to rise to 72.5 million by mid-2032 from 67.6 million in mid-2022, driven almost entirely by net migration into the country, the Office for National Statistics said on Tuesday.