Nearly half of adults in the United Kingdom say they would refuse to fight for their country in the event of war, according to an Ipsos survey reported by The Independent.
The poll found that 48 per cent of respondents would not fight for Britain under any circumstances, while 36 per cent said they would be willing to take up arms. The remaining respondents were undecided.
The findings come amid growing security concerns across Europe, particularly over Russia’s activities and the possibility of further confrontation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The alliance’s Supreme Allied Commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, recently said NATO was ready to respond immediately if attacked.
Despite the reluctance expressed by many respondents to fight, the survey found that 51 per cent supported increased government spending on defence and the armed forces, while 12 per cent favoured reducing the budget.
However, support for higher military expenditure faced financial limits. Forty-four per cent opposed additional defence spending if it meant higher personal taxes or cuts to public services, while 37 per cent rejected increased government borrowing to fund it.
The survey also found that 50 per cent wanted the UK to prioritise closer defence cooperation with the European Union, as the country considers how best to respond to evolving security threats.
Ipsos UK Research Director Caroline Paskell said the findings reflected public recognition of the demands facing the armed forces, alongside concerns about the cost of expanding military investment. She noted that the government would need to balance defence priorities with pressure to protect household finances and public services.
The debate over military funding has intensified as Britain reviews its long-term defence commitments. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said the country’s spending decisions must take account of the risk of a Russian attack on NATO.
The government plans to address a £4.7 billion defence funding gap in its forthcoming budget, while a longer-term pathway towards spending 3.5 per cent of national income on defence by 2035 is expected at next year’s Spending Review.
The Ipsos survey was conducted between September 29 and October 1 among 1,090 adults.
