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UK Faces Population Decline as Deaths Surpass Births by 2026

1/8/2026

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Resolution Foundation projects the United Kingdom will have more deaths than births in 2026.
The shift could reduce the number of working-age people and raise taxes.
Immigration may offset the decline, but political parties are focused on reducing immigration.
England and Wales recorded a total fertility rate of 1.44 in 2023.
Experts warn that without immigration the population could shrink, altering the migration debate.

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Story summary

The Resolution Foundation projects the United Kingdom will have more deaths than births in 2026.
The shift could reduce the number of working-age people and raise taxes.
Immigration may offset the decline, but political parties are focused on reducing immigration.
England and Wales recorded a total fertility rate of 1.44 in 2023.
Experts warn that without immigration the population could shrink, altering the migration debate.