In 2025, about 40.2% of births had at least one non-UK-born parent, up from 39.5% in 2024, while births to UK-born parents fell to 59.8% after a long decline since 2015.

The data show demographic aging, with provisional average ages of mothers at 31.1 and fathers at 34.0 in 2025, continuing a trend since the mid-1970s.

England and Wales posted a new record low total fertility rate of 1.39 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.41 in 2024, with births numbering 585,396—the lowest since 1977.

Experts, including Dr. Paula Sheppard of Oxford, say economic conditions drive postponement and smaller families, but societal and cultural factors also shape a broader international pattern.

There is broad agreement that global uncertainty, rising living costs, and shifting attitudes contribute to delayed or reduced childbearing, with many describing it as less appealing today.

Economic and social factors—rising costs of living and childcare, plus overall uncertainty—are often cited as barriers to having children.

Analysts warn of a potential long-term cycle where smaller birth rates become normalized, potentially depressing future birth rates further.

Public concern persists about migration and its possible impacts on housing, schools, healthcare, and other services in areas experiencing rapid population growth.

The decline is framed as part of a global trend rather than UK-specific, reflecting a wider sociocultural shift toward investing in fewer children.

Experts emphasize this global trend toward smaller families with higher resources, noting possible psychological effects like normalization of smaller families over time.

Overall, the trend ties economic pressures, changing family economics, and cultural shifts to the historically low birth-rate environment observed in 2025.

The ongoing decline in births over the past decade is linked to financial pressures and housing costs, with policymakers and observers noting these factors influence delay of childbirth.