Brits Brace for Battle — and Gaps in the Guns
According to a fresh Opinium poll, the majority of Brits feel the risk of a major conflict is looming. About 55 % reckon the UK will need to jump into a big military clash sometime in the next five years.
But the army’s “ready‑to‑go?” question left some folks scratching their heads.
- 33 % reckon the current armed forces aren’t up to the task of defending the nation.
- So while many fear the bullet‑pointed future, they’re also skeptical about the army’s chops.
Money‑Matters: Time to Fund the Fight
- 60 % think the UK should beef up defence budgets.
- Only 16 % reckon spending should stay flat.
How to pay? Most folks prefer the “plug another hole” route.
- 40 % favour cutting spending from other ministries.
- Only 20 % would push for higher taxes.
ESG and the Arsenal — Mixed Views
- 36 % say ESG policies shouldn’t be a barrier to defence investment.
- 14 % think ESG should slam the door on funding defence firms due to ethics.
- Meanwhile 40 % are still on the fence.
Bottom line: Brits are both anxious about future wars and uneasy about how the forces fit into the larger defence puzzle.
Intervention in Ukraine
What the Crowd Is Thinking About the Ukraine Conflict
When Will We Jump In?
- About 48% of folks say they’d back the UK stepping up, but only if the big European powers are on the same page.
- Those who’d join a wider NATO or Western‑led squad come in a bit lighter at 42%.
Who’s the Culprit? Opinions Split by Age
- Most voters pin the blame squarely on Russian aggression – a solid 65% of respondents.
- Only 13% think NATO or Western expansion is the real cause. This view flips dramatically with age: 82% of those 65+ feel that way, while just 47% of younger 18‑34 voters agree.
- Among the 18‑34 group:
- 24% say NATO/Western expansion is to blame.
- 28% don’t know who’s the biggest cause.
What’s the Priority in Making Peace?
- When it comes to a settlement, 48% want to keep Ukraine’s territory and freedom intact.
- About 32% would prioritise ending the loss of life first – meaning fewer casualties, even if territorial gains are modest.
Starmer’s scores stay steady
UK Politics in Flux – A Quick Look
Starmer’s Ratings: Stubbornly Steady
Keir Starmer’s net approval rating stays on the fence, but the public is still not feeling him – a net -33%. Kemi Badenoch slips 5 points down to -20%, and Ed Davey and Nigel Farage each take a 2‑point hit.
Who’s the Next PM?
Even with those bruised numbers, people reckon Starmer’s the guy to lead – 25% of respondents back him. Kemi gets a lukewarm 15%. The real kicker? 45% say “none of these,” breaking down to 28% for Labour, 40% for the Tories, and a whopping 76% from the Reform crowd.
Surviving Trump & the Ukraine Saga
“It’s been a chaotic couple of weeks,” says Priya Minhas, Opinium’s Social & Political team owner. “Trump’s bumpy global play has left many Brits disappointed in how the UK tackled the war in Ukraine.”
Brits are already buzzing over the possibility of a major conflict in the next five years. Hostility toward Russia is high, and most vow to support a military intervention for Ukraine if other European powers join the fight.
“We’re all for boosting defence spend,” they say. “But we want that money cut elsewhere, not hit with more taxes.” The big question: can Rachel Reeves lift the defence ladder while keeping the economy from sliding?
Key Takeaways
- Starmer’s approval wall‑stays same, but he’s still brushed off.
- Kemi’s dip hints at fresh challengers in the Tory ranks.
- Half the voters are turned off from all choices – signalling a need for new voices.
- Defense spending wins over tax hikes, showing a “spend‑cut first” mindset.
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