The claimant total stood at a provisional 8.40million in December 2025 - up from 7.36million a year earlier, according to new Department for Work and Pensions data.
The Prime Minister was accused of giving up national security in return for a better trading relationship with Beijing, after Labour granted planning permission for the alleged spy base.
The trial comes as the Government mulls an Australia-style ban after announcing plans to consult on limiting social media use for under-16s on Tuesday.