Britain's population breaks 60 million

LONDON - Britain's population has grown to more than 60 million for the first time, official figures showed on Thursday, as it expands at its quickest rate since the mid-1960s thanks to immigration from eastern Europe.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the population surged by 375,000 to reach 60.2 million by the end of June last year - the biggest annual rise since 1962, and the fastest rate of growth since 1965.

"The main factor leading to the increase was net international migration," the ONS said in a statement.

Net migration - the difference between the number of people coming into and out of the UK - rose to 235,000 from 167,000 the year before.

The balance of people coming into the UK from new European Union states was 74,000. The year before, it was just 10,000.

A greater number of births, fewer deaths and record longevity also boosted the figures.

"The UK population continues to age," the ONS said. "The number of people aged 85 and over grew by 64,000 ... to reach a record 1,176,000."

- REUTERS