The challenges of measuring the ethno-cultural diversity of Britain in thenew millennium

During the next 50 years the ethnic diversity of Britain will increase in r esponse to growing intermarriage, differential rates of natural increase, a nd continuing migration flows, especially of refugees. While religion is as suming a greater importance in the social identities of some minority ethni c groups, in others it is being displaced by an ethnic focus. In the upcomi ng decades the increasing sovereignty that people attach to self-identifier s and the demand for finer distinctions to accommodate hybridisation and ge nerational changes will present substantial challenges to statistical agenc ies. New conceptual approaches are needed to capture this diversity and giv e service providers the robust data required to promote equal opportunities .