Fact check: What was the white population percentage in London in 2013 versus 2023?

1. Summary of the results

The white population percentage in London in 2013 versus 2023 can be estimated based on available census data and demographic analyses. According to the 2011 census, the proportion of the White population in Greater London was 59.8% ^[1]. Since the 2011 census is the most recent reliable figure available for 2013, this value can be used as a close proxy, approximating the white population percentage in 2013 to be around 60% ^[1]. For 2023, the latest official figure from the 2021 census reports that the White population share fell to 53.8% ^[1], which serves as the best estimate for the White population percentage in London around 2023, approximately 54% ^[1]. This estimate is supported by the Trust for London table ^[2], which reports that 46% of Londoners are Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), implying that the white population percentage in 2023 is approximately 54% ^[3].

• The demographic trend shows a decline in the white population percentage over the decade, with a drop of about 6 percentage points from 2011 to 2021 ^[1].
• The exact 2013 percentage is not stated in the available sources, but based on the trend, it was likely slightly above the 2021 level, around 58-60% ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Key omitted facts include the lack of direct data for 2013, requiring the use of proxy values from the 2011 census ^[1]. Additionally, the demographic trend and its implications for the white population percentage in London are not fully explored in the original statement. Alternative viewpoints consider the decline in the white population percentage over the decade, suggesting a continuous trend that may have started before 2011 and continued beyond 2021 ^[1]. The Trust for London table ^[2] provides an independent estimate of the white population percentage, supporting the census data ^[3].

• The demographic changes in London's population, such as migration and birth rates, are not considered in the original statement, but may influence the white population percentage ^[1].
• The use of proxy values for 2013 may introduce some uncertainty, as the actual percentage could have differed from the 2011 census value ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading due to its lack of context and failure to acknowledge the uncertainty associated with estimating the 2013 white population percentage. The statement benefits those who seek a straightforward comparison between 2013 and 2023, without considering the complexities of demographic trends and data limitations ^{[1] [3]}. However, it does not benefit those who require a nuanced understanding of the demographic changes in London, including the potential factors influencing the white population percentage ^[1]. The statement's simplicity may lead to oversimplification of the issue, potentially misleading readers who are not aware of the underlying complexities and uncertainties ^{[1] [3]}.