Over the last century,  advances in medical care have contributed to significant increases in the life expectancy of people in Britain. This is a triumph for human progress and ingenuity. At the same time, however, families are having fewer children (if they have any at all), with the birth rate at 1.6 today versus 2.9 in 1964.  

Whilst many see decreasing birth rates as a welcome outcome of greater freedom of choice for individuals and couples, others worry that it reveals something concerning about people’s confidence in and commitment to the future. There are also a growing number of voices highlighting the potential social, economic and political consequences of our low birthrate, from pension and adult social care costs to generational strife, and the need for urgent policy-making in response.


On 19th April 2023, we discussed the changing age of Britain, why it matters and what, if anything, should be done about it.

Speakers:
Louise Perry, journalist and author of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution
Aria Babu, former Head of Policy and the Female Founders Forum at The Entrepreneurs Network*
Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies

Chair: Inaya Folarin Iman, Head of Events and Engagement, Civic Future

To find out more about our events, go to https://civicfuture.org/events/

Demographic shifts: the changing age of Britain and why it matters

Civic Future identifies and supports highly talented individuals to enter public life. We are non-party political, not-for-profit, and grounded in the ideas and values that underpin liberal democracy.