It makes little sense to limit the growth of London.

Smaller cities struggling to keep their educated, young workers happy must figure out how to channel some of the successes of London. In part, this may require some of the political and economic autonomy, including power over budget and strategic planning, that London, uniquely among U.K. cities, already has. The U.K. already is a densely populated, urban nation, whose cities account for 54 percent of the population, 59 percent of jobs, and 61 percent of the economic output. Ensuring that other cities like Birmingham and Manchester are better able to take advantage of the benefits of their dense networks of businesses and people will be key in maintaining the country’s economic edge.

Cities Outlook 2014 report, charts the aggregate migration of British residents to and from London from 2009 to 2012.
Cities Outlook 2014 report, charts the aggregate migration of British residents to and from London from 2009 to 2012. - The map (above), from Cities Outlook 2014  report, charts the aggregate migration of British residents to and from London from 2009 to 2012. The green arrows show people coming to London, the red ones those leaving it. London has pulled in people from across places north of it, even big cities like Manchester and Birmingham. Most of those who left escaped to within easy commuting distance.

As the report concludes, “A stronger London means a stronger UK economy. But a stronger UK economy also needs strong performing cities outside of London. Growth is not a ‘zero-sum’ game.”

The story of ambitious Britons leaving their small-town and small-city past for London is far from a new one. Though the city itself has come a long way from its Dickensian past, its draw on the U.K.’s young people is no less intense.