The number of babies born in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level for any calendar half-year in nearly 50 years.
Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that there were 287,236 live births recorded in the first six months of 2026, a decrease of 2,406 births compared to the first half of 2025, when there were 289,642 live births recorded – and the lowest number for any calendar half-year since 1977.
The latest total is around a fifth below the first half of 2012, when 360,256 live births were recorded, compared with 287,236 in the first half of 2026, a difference of 73,020 (20.27%).
