In Britain, the birth rate has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 50 years

The number of births in England and Wales last year fell to its lowest level since 1977. 

Bloomberg reported this, citing data from the UK Office for National Statistics.

According to official statistics, 585,396 children were born in England and Wales in 2025, which is 1.6% fewer than the previous year.

At the same time, the gap between births and deaths continues to narrow rapidly. Last year, the number of births exceeded the number of deaths by only 14,408, whereas in 2024, this figure was over 26,000.

Analysts warn that in the near future, the UK may face a birth deficit among the native population, when the number of deaths exceeds the number of births.

According to estimates by the Resolution Foundation, the country’s demographic situation is rapidly deteriorating amid an aging population and declining birth rates.

For a long time, the UK’s population growth was sustained by immigration. However, this factor is now weakening as well. After a record high of 944,000 migrants recorded in March 2023, the number of migrants began to gradually decline.

Experts note that demographic trends could have serious consequences for the country’s economy, labor market, and social system in the coming decades.

Previous research based on Danish data showed that higher wages for men contribute to an increase in the number of children, while for women, the opposite is true—it leads to a decline in the birth rate. This effect was identified through the analysis of long-term data and the application of a life-cycle model that accounts for decisions regarding fertility, labor force participation, and the accumulation of human capital.