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A quarter of the nation will be vegetarian within the next 25 years, research claims.

That doubles the proportion of people across the country who are already shunning meat.

Currently 12% of Britons are meat-free – rising to 20% in the 18 to 30 age group.

With each generation more veggie than the last, the figure has already doubled from 6% a quarter of a century ago, according to a report for Vegetarian Week.

Millions more have also cut the amount of meat and fish in their diet, with “meat-free Mondays” becoming increasingly popular.

And 59% plan to cut their meat consumption – mainly for health reasons but also over animal welfare concerns and to save cash.

People across the country are eating an average 7% less red meat than they were 25 years ago, matching similar reductions in other developed nations.

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The vegetarian market is worth £820million a year in the UK – four times what it was in 1991 – and is predicted to grow to £2.38billion a year by 2041.

Part of the rise is due to people getting more health-conscious later in life, said Professor David Hughes of Imperial College, London.

(Image: Getty)

He added: “As you turn 60 you wish to change your diet as you realise exercise and food underpin performance and appearance.”

The research was carried out by Linda McCartney foods , marking 25 years since the vegetarian range was launched by the late wife of ex-Beatle Sir Paul.

Sir Paul said: “Our family love being involved today in her legacy. We are incredibly proud of the brand she created.

“Vegetarianism is the way for us all to eat and live.”