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The Indian population in Britain has more than doubled from 3,13,000 in 1971, to 7,00,000 in 2011, according to latest figures released by the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS). India was in the third place in 1951, with many of those coming to Britain as the children of service personnel who were based in the country before independence in 1947, an analysis of the 2011 census reveals. It also found that immigration accounted for almost half the increase in the population in England and Wales over the past 60 years.

The latest data coincides with the UK government’s tough new rules announced in time for an expected influx from within the European Union, once work-related curbs are lifted on January 1, 2014. Downing Street announced a ban on EU immigrants claiming state benefits until they have been in Britain for at least three months as a means to address concerns that many would come into the country simply to access state-sponsored allowances. “I want to send the clear message that whilst Britain is very much open for business, we will not welcome people who don’t want to contribute,” Prime Minister David Cameron said.

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