Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen correspondent: The fifth round of Iran-US talks ended after three and a half hours.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States has begun at the headquarters of the Sultanate of Oman's mission in Rome.
Turkish public prosecutor has issued arrest warrants for 63 active-duty military personnel over alleged links to a group accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt
Kremlin says no agreements yet on next platform for Russia-Ukraine negotiations
YAF spokesperson: We targeted Lydd Airport, known as Ben-Gurion Airport, with a hypersonic missile
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Wadi al-Aziziya in the Tyre district.
CIA spokesperson says law enforcement responded to a security incident outside CIA headquarters.
Brigadier General Saree: Operation achieved its targeted successfully, forcing millions of Zionists to flee to shelters, and halted air traffic at the airport.
YAF spokesperson: We've executed a military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport in occupied Yafa with ballistic hypersonic missile.
IOF warning forces residents to evacuate and head South in preparation for expansion of aggression.

48% of Britons would not fight for Britain 'under any circumstances’

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 5 May 2025 12:13
3 Min Read

As Britain prepares to celebrate VE Day with a jubilant military procession, a new Ipsos survey reveals that nearly half of Britons would refuse to defend the country.

Listen
  • x
  • A British soldier with NATO-led Resolute Support Mission forces arrives at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 25, 2020 (AP/Rahmat Gul)
    A British soldier with NATO-led Resolute Support Mission forces arrives at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 25, 2020. (AP)

As the United Kingdom prepares for a jubilant procession to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, a new Ipsos survey suggests a sharp decline in public willingness to defend Britain in times of war.

The poll, conducted among more than 1,000 adults, found that 48% of Britons said they would refuse to enlist or serve Britain under any circumstances. Only 35% of respondents expressed willingness to fight if war were to break out, while 17% said they were unsure how they would respond.

The results come just ahead of VE Day commemorations on Monday, May 5, where armed forces bands are expected to lead a jubilant procession through central London. The ceremony will honor British soldiers who fought in the Second World War, an era often defined by a strong sense of national duty.

Patriotism in decline: Former army officer sounds alarm

Reacting to the survey, Richard Gill, a former British Army officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the findings point to a broader societal crisis.

“The fact that so many would refuse to fight for Britain is a symptom of a deeper national malaise. We’ve stopped teaching pride in our country, its history, and its values,” he said.

The perception of a "special relationship" is fading. Only 30% of Britons now agree, a 17-point drop from last year (47% ➡️ 30%).
◼️ Read our insights: https://t.co/ZWY9PCR1Ot
◼️ Subscribe: https://t.co/hUaxQKsYCJ pic.twitter.com/mnQSN8mjIP

— Ipsos (@Ipsos) April 29, 2025

“A nation unsure of itself cannot expect its people to defend it. That must change.”

Gill’s comments reveal a concern among veterans and commentators who believe Britain is facing an erosion of civic responsibility and patriotism.

Gender and age gaps in willingness to enlist

The Ipsos survey revealed significant demographic differences. Nearly half of men (49%) said they would be willing to enlist, compared to just 21% of women.

Younger respondents aged 18 to 34 were the most likely to say they would fight, with 42% expressing willingness to serve Britain. That figure dropped to 28% among those aged 35 to 54, while more than half in this age group stated they would never take up arms.

Political leanings shape views on national service

Political affiliation also played a role in responses. Supporters of Reform UK were the most likely to say they would defend Britain, while Liberal Democrat voters were the least likely to express a willingness to fight.

The survey’s results highlight a potential challenge for British policymakers and military institutions seeking to maintain a capable and motivated defense force in the event of future conflict.

  • VE Day
  • Reform UK Party
  • Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
  • Richard Gill
  • Jubilant Procession

Most Read

YAF say struck 'Israel's' Ben-Gurion Airport with missiles, drones

YAF say struck 'Israel's' Ben Gurion Airport with missiles, drones

  • MENA
  • 18 May 2025
Israeli media: Yemen may push 'Israel' towards ceasefire in Gaza

Israeli media: Yemen may push 'Israel' towards ceasefire in Gaza

  • MENA
  • 17 May 2025
Rachel Accurso criticized for speaking out on Gaza children crisis

Ms. Rachel accused of antisemitism for speaking out for Gaza children

  • Politics
  • 20 May 2025
Martyrs, injuries in violent Israeli bombardment of southern Gaza

Israeli operation fails; IOF launch violent strikes on Gaza

  • Politics
  • 19 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
The sun sets over Nuuk, Greenland, Monday, July. 31, 2017.
Environment

Greenland’s moon rock mine: Europe wins, US watches

A US B-1B Lancer landing after a Bomber Task Force mission at Naval Station Diego Garcia last year (US Air Force/AP)
Asia Pacific

UK retains US base access as Chagos sovereignty transfers to Mauritius

A coworking office space in Meridian, Idaho, Thursday, April 18, 2024 (AP)
Technology

US plans data portal to expand warrantless surveillance: The Intercept

'Israel' releases Gaza detainees after months of starvation, torture
Palestine

Released Gaza detainees report abuse, starvation in Israeli prisons

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS