Official figures reveal that birth rates in the UK have fallen to their lowest level in nearly half a century, with foreign-born parents now accounting for a record 40% of all births in 2025. This marks a significant demographic shift, particularly in urban areas, where over three-quarters of births in some regions were to parents with foreign backgrounds. The borough of Brent in London recorded the highest proportion, with 84% of births involving at least one foreign-born parent. The data also highlights a trend of delayed parenthood, with the average age of mothers increasing to 31.1 years and fathers to 34 years. Notably, the number of births to mothers under 20 has decreased significantly, while there has been a rise in older fathers, particularly those aged 60 to 64. The continuing trend of delayed childbearing has been attributed to financial pressures, including rising living costs and childcare expenses. The stillbirth rate remained stable across England and Wales, indicating consistent health outcomes despite the declining birth rates.