The New Statesman: politics and culture Can the UK solve the plummeting birthrate dilemma? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Aug 22, 2025
Rachel Cunliffe, a keen observer of UK politics and a colleague of Anoosh Chakelian, dives into the pressing issue of declining birth rates. The discussion uncovers the interplay between societal challenges—like the 'relationship recession'—and economic factors affecting family planning. They question whether current government policies truly support parents. Cunliffe also analyzes Labour's strategic dilemmas, as progressive voters seek more robust representation amid a shifting political landscape.
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Decline Is Global And Resistant
- Falling birth rates are a global phenomenon across rich and developing countries, not uniquely British.
- No single policy approach has yet reversed the trend despite varied national experiments.
Housing And Childcare Drive Choices
- UK-specific barriers include high housing costs and childcare expense that make two incomes necessary.
- These economic pressures heavily influence family planning and reduce desired family size.
Focus On Affordable Childcare And Housing
- Make childcare and housing materially cheaper to change family planning incentives.
- Implementing meaningful parental supports matters more than small one-off baby bonuses.