A new survey has revealed that half of young people in Britain say they would never take up arms for their country, with domestic concerns such as the cost of living outweighing global conflicts. The Youth Poll, commissioned by the John Smith Centre at Glasgow University, interviewed 2,000 people aged 16 to 29 and found a widespread sense of “cautious internationalism”.
Asked if they would be willing to fight for their country, 50 per cent said they would never do so, while only 38 per cent said they would under some circumstances. This figure dropped to 32 per cent when the question was about fighting for Europe. One interviewee commented: “No citizens actually want war, it’s just the leaders ordering things.”
The poll also showed a sharp decline in optimism about the future. The proportion of young people who think their lives will be better than their parents’ halved in a year, falling from 63 per cent to 36 per cent. Eddie Barnes, director of the John Smith Centre, said the loss of faith in the future helps explain the reluctance to fight: “Why fight for a country that isn’t fighting for you?”
Despite reservations about military action, 43 per cent of respondents believe the UK has a responsibility to intervene abroad to challenge human rights abuses. However, defence and security ranked low on their list of priorities for Britain, with only nine per cent citing it among their top five issues. The cost of living, housing and healthcare were seen as far more pressing.
Financial worries, job insecurity and housing instability topped the list of personal concerns. Many said higher wages and affordable housing would improve their lives. Barnes urged politicians to listen: “Governments across the UK and all political parties need to set out practical policies that will restore young people’s faith in the future.”
