US Perceived as Greater Threat to Peace Under Trump, Britons Lean Towards Europe

The proportion of Britons advocating for increased defense spending doubled over two decades, rising from 28% in 2006 to 56% currently.

Sophia Gaston stated, "The post-Cold War peace that endured for so many years no longer shapes the country’s worldview."

Gaston added, "War in Europe, instability in the Middle East, strategic competition with China and doubts about American leadership have led to a psychological shift in Britain, putting foreign policy and national security at the heart of the collective consciousness."

Britons believe the United States poses more of a threat to world peace under Donald Trump's leadership than China or North Korea.

The survey found 42% of Britons believe Britain's interests are best served by a closer relationship with western Europe, while only 9% believe they are best served by a closer relationship with the US.

Support for European ties rose to 53% when the European Union was named specifically.

Britons "become more favourable towards Europe," the British Social Attitudes survey confirmed. People now have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties.

Sophia Gaston confirmed, "Britons have undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe. In a clear break with the post-Brexit era, people have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties in a world shaped by conflict."

When asked specifically about Britain’s military and defence interests, 37% favoured western Europe and 14% selected the US, with 39% answering "both equally."

When asked to choose directly between the EU and the US regarding defence interests, 46% chose closer ties with the EU, compared to just 10% selecting the US.

Britain’s European orientation expresses more readily when citizens think in institutional rather than purely geographical terms, the British Social Attitudes survey claims.

However, Sophia Gaston cautioned, "Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the country sees defence in binary ‘Europe versus America’ terms. Britons recognise the need for a diversified approach to security alliances; one built on balance, resilience and flexibility."

Only Green Party supporters are on balance more likely to advocate reduced spending (47%) than to support an increase (21%), the British Social Attitudes survey claims.

A significant generational divide in civic duty exists. Only 22% of Britons aged 16 to 34 view military service during a national crisis as highly important, compared with 45% of those aged 55 and over.

Just 22% of under-35s consider a willingness "to serve in the military at a time of need" as important, around half the figure (43%) among those aged 55 and over.

Furthermore, 82% of 18 to 34-year-olds view Israel as a serious threat to world peace.