48% of Britons would not fight for Britain 'under any circumstances’
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.
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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%).
— Ipsos (@Ipsos) April 29, 2025
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“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.
