New exclusive polling reveals a significant disconnect between the British public and the Prime Minister's approach to the United States, with voters demanding a tougher stance on Donald Trump.
Public Sentiment Clashes with Diplomatic Approach
A survey conducted for the Mirror has found that just one in five Britons (20%) believes Donald Trump's second term as US President will be good for the United Kingdom. In stark contrast, a plurality of 43% think it will be bad for the nation, while 27% expect it to make no real difference.
This public scepticism arrives as Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pursued a notably cordial strategy towards the Trump administration. His approach has included bestowing gifts and compliments on the President and approving an unprecedented second state visit for Trump in October 2025.
Call for a Critical Voice
The poll indicates this friendly diplomacy is out of step with public opinion. Nearly half of respondents (47%) stated they want Keir Starmer to be more critical of Donald Trump in public. Only 15% of those surveyed believe the Prime Minister should be less critical.
This public pressure for a firmer line has been growing amidst recent controversies involving the American leader. These include Trump's threats to sue the BBC for $1bn over Panorama editing claims and suggestions he might endorse far-right candidates in upcoming European elections.
Political Pressure and Starmer's Defence
The issue was thrust into the Westminster spotlight earlier in December during Prime Minister's Questions. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey directly challenged Starmer, urging him to "make it clear to President Trump that any attempts to interfere with our democracy are totally unacceptable."
In his response, the Prime Minister focused on European unity, stating: "What I see is a strong Europe, united behind Ukraine and united behind our longstanding values of freedom and democracy. And I will always stand up for those values and those freedoms."
Starmer has consistently defended his strategy of engagement. In May 2025, after announcing a draft trade deal following Trump's tariff announcement, he argued that staying at the negotiating table was the right course. "I know people along the way were urging me to walk away," he said, claiming the workforce would say "'thank goodness that you didn't walk away from negotiations.'"
The Deltapoll survey interviewed 1,997 British adults online between 16th and 18th December 2025. The data was weighted to be representative of the British adult population.
