British deaths exceed births for the first time in history

The population of Great Britain is at a turning point, because in 2026 the number of deaths will exceed the number of births for the first time – the British daily “The Times” reported on Wednesday, citing data and forecasts published by the National Statistics Office.

Still, after taking into account migration, the country's population will increase slightly until 2034. From the mid-2050s, it will start to decrease slightlyalthough earlier forecasts assumed that it should grow until 2096. Currently, it is believed that the peak moment will be 2054 with the population reaching 72.2 million.

Charlie McCurdy, an economist at the Resolution Foundation, noted that the number of migrants was also falling.

– Slow population growth also means a reduction in the number of people working, and therefore decreasing tax revenues – he noted in a statement for The Times.

James Robards, head of population at the national statistics office, emphasized in an interview with the daily that the new projections reflect both a decline in net migration and a falling fertility rate.

The newspaper reminded that the forecasts are based on observed trends and are adjusted accordingly as they change.

Reducing net migration to Great Britain to zero “will hit the economy and increase the deficit,” the newspaper emphasized.

Net migration – i.e. the difference between the number of people moving to Great Britain permanently and the number of people leaving – amounted to approximately 200,000 in the period from June 2024 to June 2025. people. This represents a decrease of 69%. compared to the previous 12-month period. (PAP)

os/rtt/