Baby talk
Fraser Nelson 6:44pmI was struck by the fact James plucked out of that Newsweek article – that “every second child in London is born to an immigrant mother.” Could it really be true? Silly question –Newsweek is known for its accuracy, and originality. The data is in Table 9.2 of this Office of National Statistics Excel file - 53% of London births are to immigrant mothers. In Newham, it’s 74%. In Kensington & Chelsea, it’s 68%. The least is in Staffordshire, 7%. For some reason, the ONS also calculates fertility rates: a UK-born women has on average 1.6 kids – it’s 3.9 for a woman born in Bangladesh but living here. And 98% of UK births to Bangladeshi women are within wedlock, against 51% for the UK. And I have to say, this is one area of UK culture where I’m pleased immigrants aren’t assimilating.
PS In the interests of full disclosure, I should say that I’ll be adding to these figures when my immigrant wife gives birth in December.
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Richard V
July 31st, 2007 12:20pm Report this commentThanks for finding the figures they are very interesting. Excel is always the journalists friend. Shame so few can use it. What strikes me is that the majority of immigrant mums are not from the new commonwealth. This certainly chimes in with my experience of taking my kids to London playgrounds. Every second parent seems French or Japanese.
phil c
July 31st, 2007 3:55pm Report this commentwe're living in the 21st century now; disdain for children born out of wedlock belongs to another era. if the argument is that such chldren do less well than those born in wedlock then perhaps we should tackle the prejudice rather than parent.
Fraser Nelson
July 31st, 2007 4:51pm Report this commentPhil c, this is not a moral issue. Kids born outside wedlock do less well, on almost every measure. This is so important: there is no disdain. It's a simple belief in social justice. Promoting health, equality, educational attainment and social mobility means promoting marriage. There is a mountain of data that shows this. Perhaps you know of a study that suggests otherwise. Until then, I fear the prejudice lies with those on Labour's side of the debate.
n robinson
November 24th, 2007 10:05am Report this commenti am a single parent as my husband died. most people do not choose this state of affairs, i try to do the very best for my son. instead of spending money promoting marriage, why not spend the money on childcare so i don't have to spend over half my income on nursery fees?
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