The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is pleased to share highlights from its latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) reports, which offer a sharp lens on the political and social pulse of the UK in 2025. The findings reveal a country at a democratic crossroads — economically squeezed, digitally divided, and hungry for change.
Key findings at a glance
Repairing Britain: Economic strains and policy dilemmas
- 26% of the public say they are struggling financially
- NHS dissatisfaction is at a record high (59%), while only 13% express satisfaction with social care
- A majority believe low-income taxes are too high (61%), and high earners are not taxed enough (44%)
- Public expectations remain high—82% say healthcare is definitely the government’s responsibility—but support for increased spending has dipped (from 55% in early 2023 to 40% in 2024)
Britain’s Democracy: Confidence falters, Reform gains momentum
- Just 12% trust governments to put the country’s interests before their party’s interests
- Support for electoral reform has reached an all-time high, with 60% backing change ‘to allow smaller political parties to get a fairer share of MPs’.
- For the first time, coalition governments (53%) are preferred over single-party rule (41%)
Politics and Social Media: Engagement redefined
- 58% of under-35s now get political news primarily via social media—compared to just 8% of over-55s
- Social media users are less engaged and less trusting of politics, but not more polarised in their views
- Despite potential exposure to misinformation, 54% verify what they see, and 43% encounter opposing views—challenging the ‘echo chamber’ narrative
Surge in public support for defence spending
- 40% of people now support increased defence spending — double the number who would prefer cuts (20%)
- 90% see Russia as a serious threat to peace in the next 10 years — a dramatic increase from just 41% in 1994
- Other perceived threats include Iran (78%), North Korea (77%), Israel (73%), and China (69%)
- The USA has also seen a striking shift: only 36% saw it as a serious threat last autumn, but now (in a follow-up survey in spring 2025) 72% do — with sharp increases across all political groups
For further insight into the attitudes shaping Britain’s future, read the full reports online.
