Presence Of UK Troops In Germany Shapes Population In Both Countries

Official analysis has revealed that Britain's "unique historical relationship" with Germany has helped shape migration between the two countries.

The presence of thousands of UK troops in Germany since the Second World War has contributed significantly to the picture, statisticians said.

Figures show there were 107,000 UK citizens living in Germany in 2016 - which was up by 10% since 2011 - while around 140,000 German citizens were resident in the UK between 2014 and 2016.

The data do not include 6,800 military personnel posted in Germany last year, or their family members.

But the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said:

“The stationing of UK troops in Germany since the Second World War has contributed significantly to the picture of migration in both countries."

For example, there are more British males living in Germany than females, according to the paper.

The report also identifies a large proportion of German women in the UK who may be the partners of British serviceman who have returned from Germany.

The study is the latest in a series of post-referendum papers looking at the dynamics of migration between Britain and other EU countries.

The ONS said the article "looks at how migration between the UK and Germany has been shaped by their unique historical relationship".

Emma Rourke, director of public policy analysis at the ONS, said:

"The patterns of migration differ markedly from one country to another, which will present a variety of challenges to policy makers as decisions are made which affect the future of UK and EU citizens following Brexit."