Alarming rise in immigration levels in Britain

London, Sep 28 (UNI) Record immigration levels of the past few years are likely to continue in Britain, with almost two million more migrants expected in the next decade, official estimates predicted.

The Office for National Statistics estimated an increase of 190,000 a year-- 30 per cent higher than previous figures.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said, ''This shows what could happen unless we take action now. Frankly it underlines the need for swift and sweeping changes to the immigration system in the next 12 months.

Reversing the government's stand which stressed the benefits of immigration, he said '' Migration is bringing new wealth but also new worries to Britain.'' Earlier this week, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he favoured a system of managed migration.

Speaking at the Labour party conference, he said he was interested in the Australian method of controlling immigration, which allows migrants, depending on how many points they score on a list of desirable qualities.

The ONS figures come in the wake of increasing concerns about the rise of population in the country and the need of more infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, the Daily Mail reported.

Migrationwatch chief Sir Andrew Green said yesterday the government needs to do more than ''rhetoric'' in this area.

''Continued immigration on this scale is completely unacceptable to the vast majority of the public,'' he quipped.

UNI