Foreign Policy Polling UK 2026
Ukraine, Gaza, NATO, Trump and Britain’s place in the world. What UK voters think about war, alliances and global obligations.
Ukraine: The Solidarity Poll
British public support for Ukraine has been among the highest in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Though support has declined from its 2022 peak as the war enters its fourth year, majority opinion continues to back military and financial assistance. The debate has shifted from whether to help to how much and for how long.
| Statement / Position | Support | Oppose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continue UK military aid to Ukraine | 61% | 19% | Down from 72% peak (March 2022) |
| Increase military aid above current level | 28% | 47% | Minority position; cost concerns dominant |
| UK should push for ceasefire negotiations now | 54% | 31% | Majority position; does not imply withdrawing aid |
| Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO | 48% | 28% | Plurality support; security concerns cited |
| UK should take in more Ukrainian refugees | 55% | 29% | Wartime solidarity effect persists |
| Britain is giving too much aid to Ukraine | 19% | 67% | Minority but vocally held view |
| UK government has handled Ukraine crisis well | 38% | 44% | Net negative approval of government response |
Gaza: The Most Politically Polarising Issue
The conflict in Gaza since October 2023 has been exceptionally divisive in British politics, affecting Labour’s standing with Muslim voters, younger generations and progressive activists. Unlike Ukraine, public opinion on Gaza is sharply stratified by age, ethnicity and political affiliation.
| Statement / Position | Support | Oppose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate ceasefire in Gaza | 73% | 14% | One of strongest foreign policy consensus findings |
| UK government has done enough to push for ceasefire | 22% | 51% | Cross-party dissatisfaction with UK response |
| UK should suspend arms exports to Israel | 52% | 29% | Majority in favour; government has partially acted |
| Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas | 61% | 22% | Not mutually exclusive with ceasefire support |
| Hamas attack on Israel on 7 Oct 2023 was terrorism | 74% | 9% | Near-consensus; 17% don't know |
| UK should provide more humanitarian aid to Gaza | 72% | 14% | Strong cross-party support |
| Gaza has made me less likely to vote Labour | 18% | 65% | Significant among 18-34s (31%) and Muslims (54%) |
Gaza and Labour Voters
- 44% of under-35s cite Gaza as top FP issue
- 31% of 18–34 Labour voters less likely to vote Labour
- 54% of British Muslims say Gaza made them less likely to vote Labour
- Independent "Gaza candidates" won 5 seats in 2024 general election
Gaza by Political Affiliation
- Green voters: 91% back immediate ceasefire
- Labour voters: 79% back ceasefire
- Lib Dem voters: 71% back ceasefire
- Conservative voters: 57% back ceasefire
- Reform UK voters: 49% back ceasefire
NATO, Defence Spending & Security
| Statement | Support | Oppose |
|---|---|---|
| NATO membership is important for British security | 67% | 16% |
| UK should spend 2.5% of GDP on defence | 58% | 28% |
| UK should spend 3% of GDP on defence (Trump request) | 31% | 49% |
| Nuclear deterrent is necessary for UK security | 61% | 24% |
| UK should increase military co-operation with EU | 56% | 26% |
| Russia poses a direct threat to the UK | 69% | 18% |
| UK armed forces are adequately funded and staffed | 18% | 64% |
Trump, the US & the Special Relationship
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has created significant friction for UK-US relations. The British public has consistently disliked Trump more than any other foreign leader, but also values the transatlantic relationship as structurally essential. The resulting tension — keep Trump at arm’s length while maintaining the alliance — reflects the position of both major parties.
| Statement | % Agree |
|---|---|
| Favourable view of Donald Trump | 23% |
| UK-US relationship has worsened since Trump returned | 71% |
| US is still Britain’s most important bilateral relationship | 54% |
| UK should maintain Special Relationship even under Trump | 62% |
| UK should deepen ties with EU as counterweight to US | 57% |
| UK should comply with US tariff requests to protect trade deal | 29% |
| Starmer has handled Trump relationship well | 31% |
Britain’s Role in the World — Key Views
| Statement | Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|
| Britain should play an active role in world affairs | 58% | 28% |
| Britain's global influence has declined since Brexit | 64% | 22% |
| UK should increase overseas aid spending | 34% | 48% |
| UK should focus on domestic problems before foreign ones | 71% | 18% |
| UK should rejoin the European Union | 38% | 47% |
| UK should have closer ties with Commonwealth nations | 61% | 19% |
| UK should be more willing to use military force | 22% | 56% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UK polling say about the war in Ukraine?
61% of UK adults support continued military and financial aid to Ukraine in 2026. Support has declined from a peak of 72% in early 2022 but remains majority opinion. 54% also say the UK should push for ceasefire negotiations, showing that support for Ukraine and desire for peace are not mutually exclusive in public opinion.
How do UK voters feel about the conflict in Gaza?
73% of UK adults say they want an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 44% of under-35s cite Gaza as a top foreign policy issue. 51% say the UK government has not done enough to push for a ceasefire. The conflict has significantly affected Labour’s polling among Muslim communities and younger voters, with independent “Gaza candidates” winning five seats in the 2024 general election.
Do UK voters support NATO membership?
67% of UK adults say NATO membership is important for British security. Support is highest among Conservative voters (81%) and lowest among Reform UK supporters (52%) and Green supporters (48%). 58% back spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, though only 31% support Trump’s 3% target.
How do UK voters view Donald Trump?
Trump has a 23% favourability rating among UK adults, with 64% holding an unfavourable view. 71% say the UK-US relationship has worsened since he returned to office. However, 62% still say the UK should maintain the Special Relationship, and 54% rate the US as Britain’s most important bilateral relationship. For comparison, see our UK-EU relations polling for how views on the US compare with views on Europe.
What do UK voters think about China?
28% of UK adults cite China as a top-5 foreign policy concern in 2026, making it the third-ranked issue behind Ukraine (58%) and Gaza (49%). 64% hold an unfavourable view of China — a figure that has risen steadily since the pandemic. 71% support restricting Chinese investment in UK critical infrastructure such as energy, telecoms and water. 54% say the UK government should take a tougher stance on China. However, only 19% support fully decoupling UK trade from China, reflecting awareness of the economic costs involved — China is the UK’s fourth largest trading partner.
How do UK voters view defence spending?
Only 18% of UK adults say the armed forces are adequately funded and staffed, while 64% say they are underfunded. 58% support increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP — Labour’s current pledge — compared to just 31% who support Trump’s demand for 3% of GDP. 61% support maintaining the nuclear deterrent, while 24% oppose it. Support for higher defence spending has grown significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with support for the 2.5% target rising from 45% in 2023 to 58% in 2026.
Top Foreign Policy Issues by Salience
% citing as top-5 foreign policy concern
Defence Spending Debate
The UK currently spends approximately 2.3% of GDP on defence. NATO’s 2% target has been met; the question is whether to go to 2.5% (Starmer’s pledge) or 3% (Trump’s demand). 58% support 2.5%, but only 31% support 3% — suggesting voters back the Starmer position over capitulation to US pressure.
Gaza: The Age Divide
Among 18–34s, 44% cite Gaza as a top-5 foreign policy concern — twice the rate of over-55s (21%). This mirrors the pattern seen across other progressive issues. The conflict has driven a wedge between Labour’s traditional working-class older voters and its newer younger base.
Ukraine Support Over Time
% supporting continued UK military aid to Ukraine
Explore More
UK–EU Relations
53% say Brexit was wrong. 54% back the EU reset deal. How Britain’s relationship with Europe shapes domestic politics.
Immigration Polling
54% cite immigration as a top concern. Net migration numbers, the Rwanda plan fallout, and what voters think should change.
Labour at 18%
Gaza, Ukraine and the US relationship have all tested Starmer’s foreign policy. How has it affected Labour’s standing?
Reform UK at 28%
Reform’s scepticism on Ukraine aid and NATO stands against mainstream party consensus. Where does their voter base stand?
Electoral Reform
If Reform UK wins 28% but few seats, is FPTP still fit for purpose? The polling on proportional representation.
Voting Intention
Reform UK 28%, Labour 18%, Conservatives 19%. How do foreign policy views map onto current party support?