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London's population is rising at a faster rate than any other part of the country because of high immigration and birth rate and now stands at more than 8.4 million, official figures revealed today.

The Office for National Statistics said that the number of people living in the capital rose by just over 108,000 in the year to June 2013.

The rise - which is equivalent to half the population of Westminster or Islington - was driven by high migration from overseas, which added 79,500 to London’s population during the 12 month period, and a fresh baby boom which brought an extra 131,000 children into the capital.

The population surge, which was offset slightly by 48,000 deaths, would have been even greater without an exodus of Londoners to other parts of the country which saw 55,000 residents move elsewhere in Britain. Most went to other parts of the south east.

The new findings came as national figures showed that the UK’s population is rising at a faster rate than most other parts of Europe and now stands at 64.1 million.

That represents a 5 million increase since 2001, of which 60 per cent is the result of net migration from abroad. High birth rates among foreign born mothers and a rising fertility rate among British women have also contributed.

Unveiling the figures, the statisticians said that virtually all parts of Britain have experienced population growth, but that London was leading the national population surge.

Paul Vickers, the head of population at the office for national statistics, said: “London has the largest increase and is contributing 25 per cent to the national growth. It has the highest natural change and the highest international migration. The increase would be even larger if it weren’t for people, such as the 30 pluses, moving out with their families or to retire.”

Detailed figures on internal migration within Britain show that most London boroughs saw more people move out than arrive from other parts of the country. The only exceptions were Richmond-upon Thames, Sutton, Havering and Bexley.