New data shows that parts of London and several major university cities in England and Wales had the lowest fertility rates in 2025. Fertility rate refers to the average number of children a woman has over her lifetime. In the City of London, the fertility rate was the lowest at 0.37 children per woman, significantly below the national average. This trend contributes to a record low overall fertility rate for England and Wales, which dropped to 1.39 in 2025. This rate is below the 2.1 threshold needed to maintain a stable population without relying on immigration. The number of live births in England and Wales fell to 585,396 in 2025, a decrease from 594,677 in 2024. This marks the lowest annual total since 1977, reflecting a long-term decline in birth rates. Alongside this decline, the average age of parents has continued to increase. Mothers giving birth now average 31.1 years old, while fathers average 34.0 years old. This shift indicates a growing trend of people delaying parenthood, often due to factors like education, career development, and economic considerations. Another notable change is the increasing diversity among parents. In 2025, 34.6 per cent of births were to mothers born outside the UK. This reflects broader demographic changes and the growing influence of international migration on the population. India remained the most common non-UK country of birth for mothers for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the significant role of South Asian communities in shaping the country's fertility patterns. These trends underscore the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors influencing family planning and birth rates. As fertility rates continue to decline, policymakers and researchers are closely monitoring the implications for future population growth, healthcare systems, and economic planning.