By Basant El-Faramawy
A major survey shows that 74% of Britons now view the United States as a serious threat to global peace, more than double the 36% recorded in 2024, coinciding with Donald Trump's second presidential term. The figure places the US close to Israel (78%) and Iran (75%) in perceived threat levels, though still below Russia (89%) and above China (62%).
Growing favour towards Europe
The British Social Attitudes Survey, published by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), finds that Britons have "undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe." Some 42% believe the UK's interests are best served by a closer relationship with western Europe, while only 9% favour closer ties with the US. On defence specifically, 37% prefer western Europe, 14% choose the US, and 39% say both equally. When forced to choose between the EU and the US for defence, 46% pick the EU versus 10% for the US.
Defence spending support hits record high
Support for increased military spending has reached a record 56%, up from 28% in 2006 and 42% in 2022. The rise crosses party lines: 83% of Reform UK supporters, 76% of Conservatives, and 55% of Labour voters back higher funding. Only Green Party supporters lean toward reduced spending (47% vs 21% for increase).
Generational splits on military service
Sharp age divides appear on willingness to serve: 62% of those aged 55 and over support more defence spending, compared with 47% of those 35-54 and 30% of under-35s. Just 22% of under-35s consider a willingness to serve in the military important, half the 43% figure among over-55s.
Report highlights psychological shift
Report author Sophia Gaston said the post-Cold War peace no longer shapes Britain's worldview. War in Europe, Middle East instability, competition with China, and doubts about American leadership have put foreign policy and national security at the heart of public consciousness. She noted Britons recognise the need for a diversified security approach built on balance, resilience, and flexibility rather than a binary Europe-versus-America choice.
