Shock poll reveals how many Brits are willing to fight in the Army

Shock poll reveals how many Brits are willing to fight in the Army Andy Burnham accused of prioritising a 'ballooning welfare bill over our national security' Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By David Williamson , Chief Political Commentator 07:00, Thu, Oct 15, 2026 Almost half of Brits say they would never take up arms and fight for their country (Image: William Lailey/SWNS) Nearly one in two Britons would refuse to fight for their country in any circumstances, according to shocking new research. There is strong support for extra defence spending, with 51% backing more investment even if it means cuts to public services, higher taxes or extra borrowing. But Ipsos polling found that 48% say there are no circumstances in which they would be willing to take up arms and go to war for Britain. This was the case for 56% of women and four in 10 men, including 48% of Labour voters, 45% of those who supported Reform UK at the last election, and 40% of people who backed the Conservatives . Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Lord Dannatt , the former head of the British Army , told the Express that the Government needed to make a “clear statement of the threats to our security” to make the case for increasing the defence budget. Fewer than three in Britons (29%) believe the state of the armed forces is “good” and 36% now believe it is “bad”. Get exclusive defence news and analysis from our experts and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, wants greater defence funding (Image: Tim Merry) The findings land as Chancellor John Healey – who quit as Sir Keir Starmer ’s defence secretary in protest at underfunding – prepares to deliver his first Budget on October 28. Three in four Britons would support increasing defence spending if it led to more jobs, including apprenticeships for young people. While 73% are confident the armed forces can play a useful role in tasks such as dealing with floods, just 51% are sure they can defend Britain against an attack. Only 52% think they provide value for money for the cash they receive – and just 35% are confident they provide good-quality mental healthcare to personnel and veterans. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Since April last year, the share of Britons who want the UK to prioritise building a closer relationship with NATO has shot up by 10 points to 49%. The share wanting a closer defence partnership with the European Union has risen by nine points to 50%. Only 37% want a closer relationship with the United States, up four points. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Forty-six percent of Britons would support a tax hike on earnings above £125,000 to fund defence. But a mere 4% favoured higher taxes on earnings between £12,570 and £50,000 – and a paltry 3% would back a VAT rise. Fewer than three in 10 (28%) say they would be likely to buy war bonds to support new investment. However, 39% would be willing to see higher tobacco and alcohol duty to support the armed forces. Get the latest politics news straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy Lord Dannatt said: “This poll suggests that the Government needs to give a firm lead on defence issues in order to build a consensus within the country. There needs to be a clear statement of the threats to our security and therefore the need to increase the defence Budget. “This statement would also influence the proportion of the population willing to join the armed forces in extremis. The Government also needs to be very clear about the impact of security challenges on the population to promote resilience. “We should not be scared of these challenges but be prepared to face them, [with] sensible precautions both as individuals and as a country. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge said: “In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, with threats growing on multiple fronts, we need to get serious about funding defence and make the tough choices needed to protect our national security. That means cutting welfare spending and investing billions into improving our defensive capability. "Yet Labour continues to prioritise a ballooning welfare bill over our national security. The Chancellor absolutely has to set out his plan for 3% in the Budget – anything less would be a dereliction of duty." Caroline Paskell, Ipsos’s research director, said: “Our latest polling underscores the continued public recognition of the demands facing Britain’s armed forces, with half of Britons backing an increase in defence spending despite wider economic pressures. However, the public mood remains finely balanced when faced with the direct trade-offs required to fund this expansion. "While there is strong enthusiasm for military investment that delivers broader economic dividends, such as job creation and civilian infrastructure, resistance grows sharply when funding mechanisms touch personal taxation or cuts to cherished public services. The key challenge for ministers will be navigating these competing fiscal priorities, communicating clearly how increased security investment can coexist with public service protection and broader economic growth.” A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “In an increasingly dangerous world, we are stepping up to protect the UK. There has never been a more important time to join defence and with more people now joining the armed forces than leaving, that reflects the growing confidence in the opportunities and benefits that Service life offers. This Government is determined to build on that progress. A career in the armed forces provides incredible opportunities for people from all backgrounds to develop their skills, fulfil their potential and come together in the shared defence of our nation.” How your MP voted on Piddington migrant camp Kemi Badenoch completely skewers Andy Burnham with brutal PMQs question Defence Military Taxes Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments