Britain’s Changing Population: What the Demographic Figures Tell Us About the Future of the Native Population

24h

6 min read

An examination of a century of demographic change, declining birth rates, immigration and the future of Britain's established communities.

Britain is experiencing a profound demographic transformation. Over the past century, the size and composition of the population have changed considerably. Immigration, changing birth rates, an ageing population and the movement of people across national borders have all contributed to a different demographic picture from the one that existed at the beginning of the twentieth century.

These changes deserve serious public discussion. In particular, the concerns of people whose families have lived in Britain for generations should not be dismissed or treated as illegitimate. People have a reasonable interest in the future of their communities, the preservation of their cultural heritage, the sustainability of public services and whether future generations will inherit a country that remains recognisable to them.

The figures raise important questions about how Britain manages population change and what responsibilities government has towards both existing communities and newcomers.

1. Britain in 1911: A very different demographic picture

The 1911 census provides an important historical reference point.

According to the historical census tables for England and Wales, approximately 285,060 foreign residents and visitors were recorded in 1911.

The largest groups included:

Russia, including Russian Poland: 95,541 (33.5%).
Germany: 53,324 (18.7%).
France: 28,827 (10.1%).
Italy: 20,389 (7.2%).
United States: 13,637 (4.8%).
Austria: 13,230 (4.6%).
Switzerland: 10,267 (3.6%).

These figures demonstrate how relatively small the foreign population was in England and Wales at that time.

They also provide a historical reference against which Britain's subsequent demographic development can be examined.

It is important to recognise that this historical figure concerns England and Wales, rather than the entire United Kingdom, and uses the census category of foreigners rather than the modern foreign-born population measure.

2. The modern picture: Approximately 18.50 million foreign-born residents

Fast-forward to the latest figure supplied from research published in 2026.

That is approximately 18.50 million foreign-born people were living in the UK in 2026, representing approximately 26.6% of the population.

That means roughly one in every four UK residents was born outside the country.

The scale of the difference is substantial:

1911: Approximately 285,060 foreign residents and visitors in England and Wales.
2026: Approximately 18.50 million foreign-born residents across the UK.

They illustrate the considerable change in the scale of Britain's foreign-born population.

The Migration Observatory also reports that the foreign-born population increased by approximately 149% between 2004 and 2024.

This is a significant demographic development that deserves proper scrutiny, particularly when considering housing, infrastructure, public services, integration, national heritage and long-term population planning.

3. Birth rates and the changing demographic balance

Perhaps one of the most important developments concerns the changing pattern of births.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2025:

34.6% of live births in England and Wales were to mothers born outside the UK.

That is more than one in every three babies.

The figure increased from 33.9% in 2024.

This does not mean that one in three babies was necessarily born a foreign national. Children born in Britain can be British citizens, regardless of their mother's birthplace, depending on nationality and immigration circumstances.

Nevertheless, the figures demonstrate that mothers born overseas account for a substantial proportion of births in England and Wales.

At the same time, the overall fertility rate is falling.

In 2025, the total fertility rate in England and Wales was just 1.39 children per woman.

This is below the approximate replacement level of 2.1 children per woman generally associated with a population maintaining its size without migration.

The combination of low fertility and an ageing population raises important questions about Britain's future demographic structure.

4. The native population and the question of demographic decline

One of the most sensitive but important questions is what these developments mean for Britain's established population.

It is entirely reasonable for people to want their communities, traditions, historical identity and cultural heritage to survive into future generations.

British history, regional identities, local customs, languages, architecture, institutions and shared traditions represent generations of accumulated cultural inheritance.

These things matter to people.

When governments make decisions about immigration, population growth and national planning, they should recognise that communities are not simply interchangeable units on a spreadsheet.

People can experience considerable anxiety when their neighbourhoods change rapidly, when housing becomes increasingly difficult to obtain, when local services struggle to meet demand or when they feel that decisions affecting their communities are being made without meaningful public consultation.

Those concerns deserve to be heard.

What the figures establish is that Britain is experiencing significant demographic change alongside a sustained period of low fertility.

The government should publish clear, consistent information about population composition, births, deaths, migration and long-term projections so that the public can understand these developments properly.

5. Why these developments matter for future generations

There are several important issues that deserve consideration.

Housing and affordability

A growing population increases demand for accommodation. Unless housebuilding keeps pace with population growth and existing housing shortages, competition for homes can become more difficult, particularly for younger people trying to establish themselves.

Pressure on public services

Population growth must be accompanied by appropriate investment in healthcare, schools, transport, local government and other essential services. Where planning fails to keep pace, existing residents can experience longer waiting times, overcrowded facilities and increased pressure on local infrastructure.

Ageing and the workforce

Britain's low fertility rate creates long-term challenges for the workforce and pension system. A smaller proportion of working-age people relative to pensioners can increase the financial burden on future generations. Migration can help address labour shortages, but it cannot replace the need for a sustainable long-term population and economic strategy.

Cultural heritage and community continuity

People have a legitimate interest in preserving local traditions, historical institutions and the cultural character of their communities. Rapid population change can create challenges for social cohesion, particularly where integration, language provision and community investment are inadequate.

The UK Government should take these concerns seriously rather than dismissing them as unreasonable.

6. The government's responsibility

The central issue is not whether individual migrants should be blamed for Britain's demographic circumstances. They should not. The government should hold the blame and responsibility alone in failing their own.

The responsibility for immigration policy, population planning, housing provision and public-service investment rests with government.

Successive governments must be accountable for the scale, pace and management of population change.

The public should be entitled to ask:

What is the long-term population strategy for the United Kingdom?
Is immigration being managed at a level consistent with available housing and infrastructure?
What is being done to address Britain's declining fertility rate?
How will future generations afford pensions and public services?
What protections exist for historic communities and their cultural heritage?
Are local authorities receiving sufficient resources to manage population growth?
Why are we continuing on this track if it is dangerous for the native population ?
Will mass deportations finally start ?

These are legitimate questions of national policy.

Conclusion: Britain needs a serious conversation about its demographic future

The historical figures from 1911 and the modern figures published in 2026 illustrate how dramatically Britain's population has changed.

The approximately 285,060 foreign residents and visitors recorded in England and Wales in 1911 stand in stark numerical contrast to the approximately 13.12 million foreign-born residents estimated across the UK in 2024.

Meanwhile, the 2025 birth statistics show that 34.6% of births in England and Wales were to mothers born overseas, at a time when the overall fertility rate had fallen to 1.39 children per woman.

These figures should not be used to suggest that people of different backgrounds cannot belong to Britain. Nor should they be used to blame individuals for decisions made by governments.

But neither should the concerns of Britain's established communities be ignored.

People should be able to discuss the future of their country, express concern about the pace of demographic change and expect their government to protect the long-term interests of the population it serves.

Britain needs an immigration policy that is sustainable, a housing strategy that meets demand, properly funded public services and a serious approach to declining fertility.

Above all, it needs an honest national conversation about what kind of country future generations will inherit, how its communities will be supported and how Britain's history, heritage and shared identity can be preserved while the country continues to change.