Sir David Attenborough calls for UK baby limit to stop 'frightening' population growth

Campaign: Sir David Attenborough says couples in the UK need to limit the number of children they have

Sir David Attenborough has warned British couples to limit the number of children they have to help quell the 'frightening' growth in the world's population.



The veteran broadcaster said the planet is under 'mounting pressure' from an 'explosion in human numbers'.



Sir David, 82, said families in the UK need to control their number of offspring - a policy already adopted by China where parents are allowed just one child.

He said the environmental problems associated with an increasing population needed to be spelled out 'loud and clear' before it was too late.

Sir David's warning comes as the world's population is predicted to hit 9.1billion by 2050 - a 40 per cent increase from the current 6.8billion total.

The UK population currently stands at 61million.

Speaking on behalf of the Optimum Population Trust (OPT), a campaign group that lobbies for tougher immigration laws and sterilisation, Sir David said: 'I've seen wildlife under mounting pressure and it's not just from human economy or technology but behind every threat is the frightening explosion in human numbers.

'I've never seen a problem that wouldn't be easier to solve with fewer people. The same problem becomes harder, or ultimately impossible, when more people are involved.

'I support the Optimum Population Trust and their policies and I just wish the environmental groups would follow their lead and spell out this central problem of too many people, loud and clear.'



The father-of-two has campaigned for a number of years with the group for stricter measures to reduce the population of the UK and the world.

Warning: Sir David has spoken out on behalf of the Optimum Population Trust. He is a patron of the organisation (file picture)

Chairman of the OPT Roger Martin said Sir David had finally 'broken a taboo' by speaking out about population growth.

'Implying that our numbers can continue to grow forever is a silent lie that encourages us to ignore the vital need to stabilise our numbers,' Mr Martin said.



"This absurd taboo betrays our children because eventually nature will reduce the population for us by natural means such as famine, disease and war.

"David's breaking of the taboo should encourage others in the green organisations and the government to follow suit before it's too late.

Founded in 1991, the OPT campaigns for a voluntary decrease in the UK population by not less than 0.25 per cent a year.

It has launched a 'Stop At Two' online pledge to encourage couples to limit their family's size.

