Assess the significance of international migration on diversity in the UK
International migration has been a key driver of demographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the
UK. From post-war labour needs to EU freedom of movement and modern humanitarian routes,
waves of migration have reshaped the population structure and social fabric of many parts of the
country. This is more evident in London boroughs such as Newham, Brent (Wembley), Tower
Hamlets, and Southall (Ealing), which have become some of the most ethnically diverse places in
Europe. The significance of international migration in generating and sustaining this diversity is
considerable, as shown through numerous social, cultural, and demographic indicators.
At the national level, over 10 million people in the UK were born abroad representing around 16% of
the population. According to the 2021 Census: 18.3% of people in England and Wales identified as
Asian, Black, Mixed, or Other, up from 14% in 2011. Additionally, London is now the only UK region
where White British people are a minority, making up just 36.8% of the population. Moreover, The
Indian population stands at 1.8 million, Pakistanis at 1.6 million, Bangladeshis at 0.7 million, and
Black African groups now number 2.5 million. Furthermore, Polish is now the second most spoken
language in England, with over 600,000 speakers, due to post-2004 EU expansion and the Polish
Chain migration that occurs specifically in the borough of Peterborough where there are now over
8,000 Polish migrants living there. In addition, this transformation in population composition is
overwhelmingly a result of international migration, especially after 1948 (Windrush) and 1971
Commonwealth immigration changes. All of these factors show the significance on international
migration on the diversity in the UK and how already in big cities like London it has completely
helped diversify the city and change it’s demographic.
Another example of a place which demonstrates how cultural diversity is affected by international
migration in the UK is Newham, in East London. One of the major demographic shifts in Newham is
that between 2011 and 2021, Newham's population increased by approximately 43,100 people,
marking a 14% growth rate, which is higher than London's average growth of 7.7% during the same
period. In addition, 74% of this increased population has come from international migration
therefore making the population of Newham a lot more diverse overall. Because this has now led to
71% of residents coming from minority ethnic groups, compared to the national average of 18.3%.
Additionally 92% of school pupils in Newham are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Major ethnic
groups include Indian (13%), Bangladeshi (12%), Pakistani (10%), Black African (7%), and growing
Eastern European populations. Furthermore, Newham has the highest proportion of residents born
outside the UK: 56%, compared to the London average of 40%. Additionally in Newham more than
147 languages are spoken in the borough, with Bengali, Urdu, Gujarati, and Romanian among the
most common. This extreme diversity reflects long-term chain migration, refugee resettlement, and
economic pull factors (e.g. proximity to Stratford and central London employment). As well as this
international migration is deeply rooted in history in Newham because following the bombing of the
docks after WW2 the housing became relatively affordable in Newham leading to a high amount of
international migrants to move there especially during the Windrush Period, affecting the overall
diversity of the area as well as having ethnic clustering in the area. All of these factors demonstrate
the significance that international migration has had on Newham
However there are also examples throughout London specifically in the London boroughs which
demonstrate the impacts of migration on cultural diversity. For example, Wembley (in Brent) is
home to one of the largest Indian populations in the UK and is the only borough in London to have a
Hindu Temple. In the 2021 Census, Brent had 37% Asian residents, with 18.6% being Indian alone.
Additionally, Southall, in Ealing, is often nicknamed "Little Punjab" and has an estimated 60% South
Asian population, with Punjabi and Hindi widely spoken and many signs and street names being in
both Punjabi and English. And In Tower Hamlets, it experienced a 22.1% population growth from
,254,100 in 2011 to 310,300 in 2021, the largest percentage increase among all areas in England, the
borough saw the second-highest net external migration in London, with a net gain of 76 people,
contributing to its status as one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods. This high migration
let to a higher amount of diversity in the area with Bangladeshis make up 35% of the population, the
highest proportion of any ethnic group in the borough, and Bengali is the most spoken language
after English. These concentrations are directly linked to specific migration waves – e.g., the
Windrush migration which (like Newham) created ethnic clustering in specific boroughs of London
like Tower Hamlets and Wembley.– that have created strong ethnic enclaves and community
infrastructure. All of these factors demonstrate the significance of international migration in the UK
and primarily the boroughs of London creating communities in boroughs such as Wembley and
Tower Hamlets.
In conclusion the significance of international migration on increasing diversity in the UK is
enormous due to the huge impact that it has already had on the country. Specifically in London it has
completely diversified the city making the white population the minority and creating a more ethical
diverse city. This is even more evident in specific boroughs of London where ethnic clustering has
taken place and the impact is clear on boroughs such as Newham, Wembley and Tower Hamlets
where the area is completely diverse primarily due to international migration (e.g. because of the
Windrush). You could also say migration diversified the UK’s religious identity as well because the
Muslim population of England and Wales rose from 4.9% in 2011 to 6.5% in 2021.
, For your local place and your contrasting place, evaluate the view that international migration has
an important impact on their population characteristics.
International migration has had a profound and distinctive impact on the population characteristics
of both Jersey and Newham, shaping their demographic structure, ethnic composition, fertility rates,
and employment patterns. While both locations have seen significant migration flows, the nature,
drivers, and impacts of these migrations differ due to geographical, economic, and historical
contexts.
In Jersey, international migration has been pivotal to maintaining its population and labour force.
With a population of 100,000, Jersey’s fertility rate of 8.1 per 1,000 is low, well below the
replacement level. This makes inward migration essential for counterbalancing natural decrease and
supporting its ageing population (average age: 37). Without migration, Jersey would likely face
population decline and economic contraction. The Portuguese-speaking community, primarily from
Madeira, forms a significant proportion of the island’s workforce. 15% of the population is
Portuguese, with them making up 30% of the population of St Helier as 10,000 of the 30,000 people
in St Helier are from Portugal. Migrants often occupy roles in agriculture, hospitality, and care—
sectors that local residents tend to avoid. This creates a dual impact: while migrants help sustain the
island's economy, it also creates socio-cultural regions, where integration can be challenging.
Furthermore, Jersey’s housing density—9,972 per km²—makes it one of the most densely populated
places globally. This, alongside tight restrictions on housing and work rights through Jersey’s
‘qualifications’ system, means migration also indirectly influences housing pressure, cost of living,
and political debate on population control. Migration is not only important—it is arguably
indispensable to Jersey’s socio-economic stability. All of these factors demonstrate the impact of
international migration on Jersey as an Island and how it has impacted their population
characteristics, specifically in the capital – St Helier.
For my contrasting place – Newham, it is a borough of East London and has been fundamentally
shaped by waves of international migration over several decades. Today, it is one of the UK’s most
ethnically diverse areas, with 92% of schoolchildren from minority ethnic backgrounds and 71% of
the population belonging to ethnic minorities. The borough has seen substantial migration from
India (12%), Bangladesh (12%), and Pakistan (10%), with more recent waves from Nigeria, Somalia,
and Eastern Europe. Migration to Newham has drastically altered its demographic profile. The
average age is 31, much lower than the national average, reflecting a young, migrant-driven
population with high birth rates. In fact, fertility is 76 per 1,000 women, one of the highest in
London. Migration has also shifted household structures, with many multi-generational and
overcrowded homes, often linked to affordability challenges in the housing market. Economically,
international migration has contributed to both resilience and precarity. While, Newham benefits
from a young, working-age population, high numbers of recent arrivals face challenges with housing,
qualifications, and access to services. However, migration has also revitalised parts of the borough
culturally and economically, creating a dynamic, multicultural environment. All of these factors
demonstrate the impact that migration has had on Newham and how it has changed it’s population
characteristics.
In both locations, international migration is central to population characteristics, but in different
ways. Jersey’s small scale and economic dependence on seasonal and care-sector migrants means
even modest inflows have a magnified impact, especially on ethnicity, labour markets, and
population growth. Newham’s scale and urban nature, meanwhile, have made it a long-standing
gateway for migrants. Its diversity is a product of decades of layered migration, affecting everything
from school demographics to fertility rates and urban identity. However, the integration challenges
International migration has been a key driver of demographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the
UK. From post-war labour needs to EU freedom of movement and modern humanitarian routes,
waves of migration have reshaped the population structure and social fabric of many parts of the
country. This is more evident in London boroughs such as Newham, Brent (Wembley), Tower
Hamlets, and Southall (Ealing), which have become some of the most ethnically diverse places in
Europe. The significance of international migration in generating and sustaining this diversity is
considerable, as shown through numerous social, cultural, and demographic indicators.
At the national level, over 10 million people in the UK were born abroad representing around 16% of
the population. According to the 2021 Census: 18.3% of people in England and Wales identified as
Asian, Black, Mixed, or Other, up from 14% in 2011. Additionally, London is now the only UK region
where White British people are a minority, making up just 36.8% of the population. Moreover, The
Indian population stands at 1.8 million, Pakistanis at 1.6 million, Bangladeshis at 0.7 million, and
Black African groups now number 2.5 million. Furthermore, Polish is now the second most spoken
language in England, with over 600,000 speakers, due to post-2004 EU expansion and the Polish
Chain migration that occurs specifically in the borough of Peterborough where there are now over
8,000 Polish migrants living there. In addition, this transformation in population composition is
overwhelmingly a result of international migration, especially after 1948 (Windrush) and 1971
Commonwealth immigration changes. All of these factors show the significance on international
migration on the diversity in the UK and how already in big cities like London it has completely
helped diversify the city and change it’s demographic.
Another example of a place which demonstrates how cultural diversity is affected by international
migration in the UK is Newham, in East London. One of the major demographic shifts in Newham is
that between 2011 and 2021, Newham's population increased by approximately 43,100 people,
marking a 14% growth rate, which is higher than London's average growth of 7.7% during the same
period. In addition, 74% of this increased population has come from international migration
therefore making the population of Newham a lot more diverse overall. Because this has now led to
71% of residents coming from minority ethnic groups, compared to the national average of 18.3%.
Additionally 92% of school pupils in Newham are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Major ethnic
groups include Indian (13%), Bangladeshi (12%), Pakistani (10%), Black African (7%), and growing
Eastern European populations. Furthermore, Newham has the highest proportion of residents born
outside the UK: 56%, compared to the London average of 40%. Additionally in Newham more than
147 languages are spoken in the borough, with Bengali, Urdu, Gujarati, and Romanian among the
most common. This extreme diversity reflects long-term chain migration, refugee resettlement, and
economic pull factors (e.g. proximity to Stratford and central London employment). As well as this
international migration is deeply rooted in history in Newham because following the bombing of the
docks after WW2 the housing became relatively affordable in Newham leading to a high amount of
international migrants to move there especially during the Windrush Period, affecting the overall
diversity of the area as well as having ethnic clustering in the area. All of these factors demonstrate
the significance that international migration has had on Newham
However there are also examples throughout London specifically in the London boroughs which
demonstrate the impacts of migration on cultural diversity. For example, Wembley (in Brent) is
home to one of the largest Indian populations in the UK and is the only borough in London to have a
Hindu Temple. In the 2021 Census, Brent had 37% Asian residents, with 18.6% being Indian alone.
Additionally, Southall, in Ealing, is often nicknamed "Little Punjab" and has an estimated 60% South
Asian population, with Punjabi and Hindi widely spoken and many signs and street names being in
both Punjabi and English. And In Tower Hamlets, it experienced a 22.1% population growth from
,254,100 in 2011 to 310,300 in 2021, the largest percentage increase among all areas in England, the
borough saw the second-highest net external migration in London, with a net gain of 76 people,
contributing to its status as one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods. This high migration
let to a higher amount of diversity in the area with Bangladeshis make up 35% of the population, the
highest proportion of any ethnic group in the borough, and Bengali is the most spoken language
after English. These concentrations are directly linked to specific migration waves – e.g., the
Windrush migration which (like Newham) created ethnic clustering in specific boroughs of London
like Tower Hamlets and Wembley.– that have created strong ethnic enclaves and community
infrastructure. All of these factors demonstrate the significance of international migration in the UK
and primarily the boroughs of London creating communities in boroughs such as Wembley and
Tower Hamlets.
In conclusion the significance of international migration on increasing diversity in the UK is
enormous due to the huge impact that it has already had on the country. Specifically in London it has
completely diversified the city making the white population the minority and creating a more ethical
diverse city. This is even more evident in specific boroughs of London where ethnic clustering has
taken place and the impact is clear on boroughs such as Newham, Wembley and Tower Hamlets
where the area is completely diverse primarily due to international migration (e.g. because of the
Windrush). You could also say migration diversified the UK’s religious identity as well because the
Muslim population of England and Wales rose from 4.9% in 2011 to 6.5% in 2021.
, For your local place and your contrasting place, evaluate the view that international migration has
an important impact on their population characteristics.
International migration has had a profound and distinctive impact on the population characteristics
of both Jersey and Newham, shaping their demographic structure, ethnic composition, fertility rates,
and employment patterns. While both locations have seen significant migration flows, the nature,
drivers, and impacts of these migrations differ due to geographical, economic, and historical
contexts.
In Jersey, international migration has been pivotal to maintaining its population and labour force.
With a population of 100,000, Jersey’s fertility rate of 8.1 per 1,000 is low, well below the
replacement level. This makes inward migration essential for counterbalancing natural decrease and
supporting its ageing population (average age: 37). Without migration, Jersey would likely face
population decline and economic contraction. The Portuguese-speaking community, primarily from
Madeira, forms a significant proportion of the island’s workforce. 15% of the population is
Portuguese, with them making up 30% of the population of St Helier as 10,000 of the 30,000 people
in St Helier are from Portugal. Migrants often occupy roles in agriculture, hospitality, and care—
sectors that local residents tend to avoid. This creates a dual impact: while migrants help sustain the
island's economy, it also creates socio-cultural regions, where integration can be challenging.
Furthermore, Jersey’s housing density—9,972 per km²—makes it one of the most densely populated
places globally. This, alongside tight restrictions on housing and work rights through Jersey’s
‘qualifications’ system, means migration also indirectly influences housing pressure, cost of living,
and political debate on population control. Migration is not only important—it is arguably
indispensable to Jersey’s socio-economic stability. All of these factors demonstrate the impact of
international migration on Jersey as an Island and how it has impacted their population
characteristics, specifically in the capital – St Helier.
For my contrasting place – Newham, it is a borough of East London and has been fundamentally
shaped by waves of international migration over several decades. Today, it is one of the UK’s most
ethnically diverse areas, with 92% of schoolchildren from minority ethnic backgrounds and 71% of
the population belonging to ethnic minorities. The borough has seen substantial migration from
India (12%), Bangladesh (12%), and Pakistan (10%), with more recent waves from Nigeria, Somalia,
and Eastern Europe. Migration to Newham has drastically altered its demographic profile. The
average age is 31, much lower than the national average, reflecting a young, migrant-driven
population with high birth rates. In fact, fertility is 76 per 1,000 women, one of the highest in
London. Migration has also shifted household structures, with many multi-generational and
overcrowded homes, often linked to affordability challenges in the housing market. Economically,
international migration has contributed to both resilience and precarity. While, Newham benefits
from a young, working-age population, high numbers of recent arrivals face challenges with housing,
qualifications, and access to services. However, migration has also revitalised parts of the borough
culturally and economically, creating a dynamic, multicultural environment. All of these factors
demonstrate the impact that migration has had on Newham and how it has changed it’s population
characteristics.
In both locations, international migration is central to population characteristics, but in different
ways. Jersey’s small scale and economic dependence on seasonal and care-sector migrants means
even modest inflows have a magnified impact, especially on ethnicity, labour markets, and
population growth. Newham’s scale and urban nature, meanwhile, have made it a long-standing
gateway for migrants. Its diversity is a product of decades of layered migration, affecting everything
from school demographics to fertility rates and urban identity. However, the integration challenges
