DAILY MAIL: A record number of Brits are packing their bags and escaping soaring house prices, wet weather and the perception of rising crime for a new life abroad, according to new figures.
The Office of National Statistics showed 385,000 people migrated from the country in the year to July 2006.
This is the highest figure since official counting methods were introduced in 1991
The most popular destination for migrants is Australia, with South Africa proving to be another favourite.
The number of long-term migrants who arrived in the UK in the same period was 574,000, slightly down on the previous year.
Overall, the population of the country rose 0.6 per cent in the year to 60,587,000. Record number of Brits leaving the UK for a life abroad (more)
Mark Alexander
