New figures published by the Office for National Statistics have revealed the scale and speed of demographic change across England and Wales, with the proportion of babies born to White British parents falling to its lowest level since records began.
According to the latest ONS data, there were 585,396 live births recorded in England and Wales in 2025.
Of those, 310,456 babies were born to mothers classified as White British, accounting for just 53 per cent of all births.
It marks a significant decline from 2010, when White British births made up 66 per cent of the total.
The latest figures represent a fall of around one-fifth over the past 15 years, continuing a long-term trend that has reshaped the demographic profile of Britain.
The statistics also highlight the growing proportion of births involving foreign-born parents.
More than a third of mothers giving birth in England and Wales in 2025 were born overseas, representing a rise of around 40 per cent compared with 2010 levels.
Even more striking is the increase in births where both parents were born abroad.
310,456 babies were born to mothers classified as White British (stock image)
|GETTY
The figures show that 27 per cent of all live births in 2025 involved two foreign-born parents, up from just under 18 per cent in 2010 - an increase of almost 60 per cent over the period.
The data reflects broader migration trends seen in recent years, with sustained high levels of net migration and increasing numbers of long-term migrants settling permanently in the UK and starting families.
The composition of foreign-born mothers has also shifted considerably.
Births to European-born mothers have fallen in recent years, dropping from 60,266 to 55,605, reversing the pattern seen during the peak years of EU free movement.
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More than a third of mothers giving birth in England and Wales in 2025 were born overseas (stock image)
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Analysts have linked that decline to Brexit and tighter post-EU immigration rules.
By contrast, births to mothers from Middle Eastern and Asian backgrounds have risen sharply.
The number increased from 66,348 in 2010 to 91,265 in 2025 - a rise of almost 40 per cent.
The figures also reveal the nationalities most commonly represented among foreign-born mothers.
Indian-born mothers topped the list with 27,601 births, followed by Pakistani-born mothers with 22,058 and Nigerian-born mothers with 15,509.
The ONS data comes amid continuing public concern over migration levels, with recent polling showing the issue tops the list of voter’s concerns.
The statistics are also expected to intensify debate over pressure on housing, schools, healthcare and public services in areas experiencing the fastest population growth.