Ipsos poll: 48% of Britons would not fight for UK; half back more defence spending

Right · 1An Ipsos poll published on 15 October 2026 found that 48% of Britons say there are no circumstances in which they would take up arms and go to war for Britain, according to the Daily Express. 1 Centre · 1Anadolu Agency described the result as half of UK adults, and said the figure was unchanged since April 2025 despite rising security concerns over Russia, China and Iran. 2 Centre · 1The poll surveyed 1,090 British adults between 29 September and 1 October, Anadolu reported. 2

Right · 1The Express reported that unwillingness was found among 56% of women and four in 10 men, and among 48% of Labour voters, 45% of those who backed Reform UK at the last election and 40% of Conservative voters. 1 Right · 1On spending, the Express said 51% back more defence investment even if it means cuts to public services, higher taxes or extra borrowing, and three in four would support it if it led to more jobs, including apprenticeships. 1 Centre · 1Anadolu, citing Sky News, said that among supporters of higher spending, 37% wanted it paid for by cuts elsewhere and 36% by higher personal taxes; the most popular option, backed by 46%, was a rise in income tax on earnings above £125,000. 2

Right · 1The Express added that only 4% favoured higher taxes on earnings between £12,570 and £50,000, 3% would back a VAT rise, 39% would accept higher tobacco and alcohol duty, and 28% would likely buy war bonds. 1 Right · 1Views of the armed forces were mixed: 29% rate their state as good and 36% as bad; 73% are confident they can help with tasks such as floods, but 51% are sure they could defend Britain against attack and 52% think they give value for money. 1 Right · 1Since April last year, the share wanting a closer relationship with NATO rose 10 points to 49% and with the EU rose nine points to 50%, while 37% wanted a closer relationship with the US, up four points. 1

Right · 1The Express said the findings come as Chancellor John Healey, who it says quit as Sir Keir Starmer's defence secretary over underfunding, prepares his first Budget on 28 October. 1 Right · 1Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said Labour prioritises a "ballooning welfare bill over our national security" and that the Chancellor must set out a plan for 3% of GDP on defence; the Express also lists Andy Burnham in its subheading as accused of this. 1 Right · 1Lord Dannatt, a former head of the British Army, said the Government should make a clear statement of the threats to security to make the case for a bigger defence budget and to build resilience. 1

Right · 1Caroline Paskell, Ipsos research director, said the public mood is finely balanced and resistance grows when funding touches personal taxation or public services; a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said more people are joining the armed forces than leaving. 1