One-third of babies born to overseas mothers in England and Wales

The number of babies born to overseas-born mothers in England and Wales has increased by more than a quarter in the last decade, according to new figures.

In 2021, 33% of babies were born to mothers who were not born in the UK, up from 26% in 2011.

The increase has been driven by a rise in the number of mothers from other European countries, as well as from Asia and Africa.

The figures, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show that the proportion of babies born to overseas-born mothers is now higher than at any time since records began in 1969.

The ONS said that the increase is likely due to a number of factors, including the UK's increasingly diverse population and the growing number of women migrating to the UK to give birth.

The figures also show that the proportion of babies born to mothers who were not born in the UK varies significantly across different parts of England and Wales. In London, for example, 45% of babies were born to overseas-born mothers in 2021, compared to just 19% in Wales.

The ONS said that the increase in the number of babies born to overseas-born mothers is likely to have a number of implications for the UK, including on the demand for healthcare and education services.