The number of births in England and Wales during the first half of 2026 reached its lowest level since 1977, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). A total of 287,236 babies were born between January and June, marking a decline of 2,406 births compared to the same period last year, and representing a nearly 20% decrease from the 360,256 births recorded in the first half of 2012.
This continued decline in birth rates highlights a longer-term demographic challenge for the country. In 2025, the fertility rate in England and Wales fell to a record low of 1.39 children per woman, down from 1.41 the previous year. This figure remains well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary to maintain a stable population without relying on migration.
The average age of mothers at childbirth also increased slightly in 2025, reaching 31.1 years, with fathers averaging 34 years old. Analysts and policymakers have linked these trends to a combination of factors including economic pressures and shifting social attitudes toward family formation.
Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates, who has been vocal on the issue of Britain's declining birth rates, described the latest figures as "hugely concerning." She warned that decades of below-replacement fertility are already exerting pressure on public finances, contributing to a rising tax burden on working-age individuals, labour shortages in key sectors, and an unsustainable pension system. Cates cautioned that the workforce entering in the next two decades could be the smallest on record, intensifying these challenges.
The Resolution Foundation, a think tank with connections to the Labour Party, noted that population growth in England and Wales is now largely driven by international net migration rather than natural increase.
Dr. Harry Benson of the Marriage Foundation, an organization focused on family stability, emphasized that while financial and housing constraints are important factors, broader societal shifts also play a role. He pointed out that women today have their first child about five years later than in the 1970s, reflecting a tendency to delay long-term commitments. Benson suggested that contemporary society prioritizes immediate concerns over longer-term family planning, contributing to the decline in birth rates.
The demographic trends captured in the latest data pose significant economic and social implications for the future of England and Wales, prompting calls from multiple observers for increased political attention to address the ongoing population decline.