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Society in the UK
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UK population approaching 60 million
A special report from
-Newsdesk -The AEN
The population of the UK is approaching 60 million, said the estimates
released by the Office for National statistics(ONS).
The population of England has passed 50 million for the first
time, mid 2004 population estimates released by ONS show.
The population of England was 50.1 million at 30 June 2004, an
increase of 0.5 per cent (238,000) compared with mid 2003.
The population of the United Kingdom was 59.8 million, a rise
of 0.5 per cent(281,200) on a year earlier, compared to 0.4 per
cent between mid 2002 and mid 2003. This is in line with population
projections that the UK population would reach 60 millionby mid
2005.
The population in the UK grew 4.2 per cent equivalent to an annual
average increase of 0.3 per cent. The population increasing by
nearly 2.4 million since 1991.
The UK's ageing population continues in increase. The number of
people over 85-years-old increased from 873,300 to 1,111,600 between
1991 and 2004. The age group now makes up 1.9 per cent of the
population. In 2004 there were 322,800 males and 788,800 females
in the age group.
Over one third of the latest increase in the UK population is
due to natural change, more births and deaths. The reminder of
the increase is due to migration and other changes.
-A special news release was sent by an email to The AEN Newsdesk.
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Britain's new immigrant diversity is revealed
for the first time
A report from Newsdesk
-The AEN
Britain's new immigrant diversity is revealed for the first time
on Wednesday 7, September 2005, by the institute for Public Policy
Research (IPPR).
In a major new study, the IPPR shows how this diversity has radically
changed in the last fifteen years.
The report uses the Census and Labour Force Survey to provide
detailed analysis of Britain's new immigrant communities-defined
as those who have arrived since 1990-from over 50 countries and
regions. It presents a comprehensive picture of where they live
and work, and profiles their education, earnings, age and gender.
Beyond Black and White; mopping new immigrant communities key
findings;
. Immigrants made up 7.5 per cent of the total population in 2001,
compared to 5.7 per cent in 1991, an increase of 1,147,905 people.
. New immigrants now make up just over half the immigrant population,
compared to about third in 1994.
. Indians and Pakistanis make up the largest immigrant communities,
followed by those born in Germany, Caribbean and the USA.
. Since 1991, Britain has seen a rapid growth in communities from
non-traditional immigration countries. The number of immigrants
from the former Yugoslavia has trippled. Those from Sierra Leon,
China, South Africa and Sweden have doubled. The Caribbean-born
community declined by over 12,000 between 1991 and 2001.
. 41 per cent of immigrants are based in London, making up 25
per cent of the capital's population.
. 37 per cent of immigrants in Scotland hold a higher level qualification,
the highest of any region.
. In Northern Ireland new immigrants are more likely to be in
employment than the British Isles-born population.
. In 2004, 62 per cent of new immigrants were in employment compared
to only 49 per cent in 1994.
. The new immigrant with the highest levels of employment come
from New Zealand (93.6%), Australia (90.6%) and the Philippines(85.4%).
The lowest employment levels come from Somalia(12.2%), Angola(30%)
and Iran(31.7%).
No immigrant group constitutes a majority anywhere in the UK.
Nick Pearce, IPPR Director said "The standard classifications
of Britiain's ethnic minorities are obsolete. In the last fifteen
years, Britain has become much more diverse. It is now home to
communities from every corner of the globe. London is hyper-diverse,
a world city in every sense.
"Many new immigrant communities are doing well. But others are
doing badly. This report gives a fine-grained analysis to underpin
integration strategies. We must stop any community left behind."
Sarah Research Fellow and report author said "We know a lot about
certain immigrant communities or certain places. But there is
little information available that allows for direct comparison
between different immigrant groups or locations. This report seeks
to fill that gap by providing a more comprehensive evidence base."
However, immigrants are defined as foreign-born people rather
than foreign nationals.
The foreign-born are those born outside the British Isles.
Census data is used to map where immigrant communities are located
and the change in location between 1991 and 2001.
The Labour survey is used to compare the age, gender, employment
status, earnings and education levels of new immigrants.
The report maps broad immigration trends based on data taken from
the Office of National Statistics (ONS), International Passenger
Survey (IPS) and Home Office Immigration Statistics.
A special news email sent to Newsdesk of The AEN.
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Community Affairs
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UK multiculturalism is confusing politicians
In the UK, multiculturalism is confusing politicians and many
other people. Also many observers find it confusing too-what multiculturalism
means!
Reportedly Tony Blairreportedly said he did not know what multicuturalism
really meant - many people seem to share his views.
Conservative leader Michael Howard reportedly said Britain needs
a strong sense of national identity.
"We must build on and strengthen our shared sense of Britishness
while recognising it is not compatible with a continuing attachment
to other traditions" reportedly he told BBC 4's Today programme.
He said that multiculturalism was not a very helpful word to use
because it means so many things to different people, news reported.
-The AENNS
Britain's most ethnic minorities regard
themselves British
According to research report published by the Office for National
Statistics showed Britain's most of ethnic minorities regard themselves
as British.
And, although Britain's ethnic minoties living in various parts
of the UK, including England prefer to be called themselves as
British rather than English.
Reportedly the data comes from a new national identity question
put to 300,000 people in the UK, said newly published report.
Europe needs history lesson on the swastika
according to Labour MEP Robert Evans.
Labour Member of the European Parliament, Robert Evans has called
for a European campaign on the real history of the swastika to
highlight its importance to Europe's Hindus.
"The swastika was not invented by Hitler" said Robert Evans. "In
fact it has been used for over 3 000 years by many cultures, in
particular the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities to represent
life, sun , power, peace, strength, and good luck."
"Whilst of course I understand why some MEPs are suggesting the
swastika should be banned, in reality this would have the effect
of discriminating against Europe’s one million plus Hindus and
deprive them of their sacred symbol."
In a European Parliament Written Declaration, co-tabled by West
Midlands MEP Neena Gill they refer to the fact that the word "swastika"
comes from the old Indian or Sanskrit word svastika (to be good)
and that until the twentieth century it was not associated with
anything other than positive messages.
"To Hindus it's the second most sacred symbol in their tradition
and has been used for several thousand years to ward off evil.
Unlike the Nazi swastika which faced left, the Hindu swastika
faces to the right and by tradition it is red, a colour regarded
as auspicious by Hindus." states Robert Evans.
"The swastika was adopted by Adolf Hitler's Nazis in 1920. It
then became a symbol of all that is evil and was associated with
the greatest crimes in the history of mankind."
"I completely condemn its use for xenophobic, racial hatred or
right wing purposes. However what is needed now is tolerance and
understanding. The swastika in a different form is very important
to millions of Hindus across Europe and the rest of the world."
added Robert Evans.
"Of course this issue has to be handled sensitively and I am very
conscious of the anguish that the use of the swastika causes to
the Jewish Community but for Hindus the swastika is a religious
sacrament, to express their devotion to God. In London I have
seen it in many houses and in Hindu temples."
"It must be possible to separate the evil of Hitler and his ideology
from the Hindu symbol which actually means almost the opposite."
concluded Mr Evans.
For further information contact Robert Evans MEP - +44 7785 290546
(Robert Evans - mobile)
Telephone - +44 208 890 1818 (London Office) - +322 284 5298 (Brussels
Office) www.robertevansmep.net
Robert Evans MEP - Working for London in Europe.
A special press release has been sent by email to the Newsdesk
of The AEN-The Asian Express Newspaper in London
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