Britain’s birth rate has quietly fallen to one of the lowest levels in its history. Yet surveys consistently show that most young people still want children. So what’s changed?

In this Deep Dive episode, we unpack the growing gap between the number of children people hope to have and the number they actually do. Drawing on the latest research from the Centre for Social Justice report The Baby Bust, we explore why parenthood is happening later — or not at all — for millions across the UK.

From rising housing costs and career pressures to changing relationships, delayed marriage, and misconceptions about fertility, the episode looks at the complex social, economic, and cultural forces reshaping family life. We also examine the long-term consequences of falling birth rates — from workforce shortages and pension pressures to what an ageing society could mean for the future of communities.

Is Britain facing a demographic crisis? And what would it take to make it easier for people to have the families they want?

This episode goes beyond the headlines to explain one of the most important — and least discussed — shifts shaping the country’s future.