Expert Demographer: UK Politicians Ignoring Fertility Rates in Favor of Immigration Focus

In an article, demographer and author Paul Morland expressed concern that the general election would not address the issue of low fertility rates in the UK. Morland argued that policymakers should address this issue instead of focusing solely on immigration reform. Citing the risk of creating an aging population without enough people of working age to support economic growth, Morland warned that the UK is in danger of facing similar population concerns as Japan. Morland noted that the fertility rate in the UK has been below replacement level since the 1970s, a trend which will lead to challenges related to the cost of an aging population and a shrinking workforce. However, Morland expressed skepticism that political leaders will prioritize this issue, as the election approaches. He identified reluctance within both the Conservative and Labour parties to engage with the topic for various reasons, including concerns about presenting policies that may evoke controversy or opposition. Furthermore, Morland highlighted the role of feminism within these political dynamics, expressing that feminism has complicated discussions about fertility by raising concerns that policies focused on raising the fertility rate could set back the progress made toward gender equality.



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