Muslim population in UK exceeds 3 million for the first time

Rasa - England is now home to more than 3 million Muslims for the first time ever.

News ID: 3881

Date: 01 February 2016 - 15:35

RNA - In some parts of London, nearly half the population is now Muslims, according to detailed analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Based on recent trends, they will be the majority in those areas within a decade.

Half of the Muslims in England and Wales were born outside the abroad and more are under the age of 10 than in any other age group, indicating their numbers will grow still further.

The 3 million milestone, which means Muslims represent one in 20 people across the country, will reignite debate about the changing face of Britain amid growing demands for Muslims to integrate further into society.

The ONS has also identified 8 areas around the country where Muslims make up a substantial portion of local population.

Muslims account for 29 percent of the population in Blackburn; 26 percent in Slough; 25.7 percent in Luton; 23 percent in Birmingham; 20 percent in Leicester; and 18 percent in Manchester.

Further, the Muslim population is expected to rise more as a result of the exceptional surge in refugees from Middle Eastern and North African countries trying to reach Western Europe in the previous year.

R111/108/C/