Shock figures show migration could raise UK population by equivalent of SIX Birminghams by 2036

SENIOR Tories warn Britain faces unsustainable pressure after figures showed net migration could raise the population by the equivalent of six Birminghams by 2036.

Official projections predict that 73.7million people will be squeezed into the UK by then — ten per cent up on the 67million living here in 2021.

The mammoth 6.7million jump would work out the same as adding half a dozen settlements the size of ­Britain’s Second City.

Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed he was ­acting “with the utmost urgency” to cut the numbers.

He said a crackdown on legal migration would take effect within weeks.

Yet hardline Tory MPs demanded ministers use Brexit freedoms to implement tougher measures — including an overall cap on net migration.

Ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “These numbers are too high, placing pressure on schools, the NHS and housing.

“Recent government measures will help a bit but they’re very late. We need a cap on overall numbers so we can hold government to account and fix this.”

Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said there was “no democratic consent” for the surge in migration.

He added: “The pace of change is far too fast. The power to change this, and set us on course for far more sustainable numbers, is in the Government’s hands.”

Of the 6.7million population hike, 541,000 is from more births than deaths, with the remaining 6.1million down to net migration.

The Office for National Statistics expects net migration to settle at around 315,000 per year from 2028 after exceeding 600,000 last year.

It is still higher than the Tories’ 250,0000 target pledged in the 2019 election which Downing Street yesterday said was still the goal.

The Home Office yesterday confirmed details of the reforms unveiled in December to cut the numbers.

A ban on care workers bringing in family will kick in on March 11, and the rule allowing firms to hire cheaper labour from abroad will be axed three days later.

From early April, the minimum salary for skilled worker visas will rise from £26,200 to £38,700, and the family visa requirement will be hiked to £29,000 before also rising to £38,700.

Mr Cleverly said: “It is a firm approach, but a fair one, and gives those affected time to prepare while ensuring migration comes down.

“The British people want to see action, not words.

“We are delivering the change we promised and which they expect, lifting pressure on public services and protecting British workers with the utmost urgency.”

Home Secretary Mr Cleverly last night travelled to Paris to discuss illegal immigration with French counterpart Gerald Darmanin.

The Home Office said they agreed to “unprecedented levels” of aerial surveillance to help snare small boats.

They also plan to convene a meeting of the Calais Group — which also includes Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands — in the spring to discuss further action.