A recent survey suggests that voters are open to the idea of increasing taxes to bolster national defense against potential military threats. The study by Electoral Calculus and Find Out Now revealed that 39% of respondents believe the government should allocate more funds to defense, even if it entails higher taxes, in contrast to 24% who oppose this notion.
The research, which delved into public sentiments on defense expenditure, highlighted significant apprehensions among citizens, with 45% expressing concerns about the possibility of a military attack on Britain from another nation. Conservative and Reform party supporters exhibited the highest willingness to support tax hikes for enhancing the country’s defenses, with 63% and 54% agreeing, respectively. Conversely, only 41% of Labour voters showed inclination towards this proposal.
Interestingly, the survey indicated that more than a quarter of Britons would “probably” defend their country, while two-thirds stated they would potentially do so if needed. Despite these sentiments, the findings revealed that the public is more preoccupied with global economic issues (82%) and climate change (67%) as perceived threats to the UK compared to military aggression.
Moreover, a substantial portion of the populace expressed concerns about the likelihood of an impending conflict, with 32% believing that Britain might engage in a war within the next five years. The survey also highlighted doubts regarding the reliability of the United States for safeguarding against military threats, as 60% of respondents indicated a lack of confidence in this aspect.
In response to the survey, Labour MP and former marine Alex Ballinger emphasized the escalating threat to the UK amidst Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He noted the rising public anxiety regarding defense, acknowledging the evolving nature of modern warfare where technological advancements play a significant role.
Martin Baxter, CEO of Electoral Calculus, acknowledged the public’s unease regarding defense matters but pointed out the divided opinions on additional defense spending, national service, and combat involvement. He highlighted the challenges for the Labour Party due to differing views among their supporters, emphasizing the importance of addressing the changing international landscape responsibly.
Professor Richard Rose from the University of Strathclyde observed that more Britons seem willing to support increased taxes for strengthening the military rather than actively engaging in combat roles themselves.