New research has uncovered a sharp and concerning increase in the number of people who believe being British is defined by ethnicity and birthplace, signalling a rise in ethno-nationalist sentiment across the UK.
A Shift in National Identity
Analysis conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and shared with the Guardian indicates that while a majority still see Britishness as rooted in shared values, a growing minority are adopting a more exclusionary view. A YouGov poll from this month found that 36% of people now believe a person must be born in Britain to be truly British. This figure has nearly doubled from just 19% in 2023.
The study warns of a successful push by hard-right narratives to reshape public conceptions of national belonging. Parth Patel, an associate director at IPPR, stated: "Politicians and activists on the right are trying to change how we think about ourselves and one another... Worryingly, they are starting to change the hearts and minds of some people in Britain."
Reform UK Supporters Hold Most Extreme Views
The research identified clear political divides, with supporters of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party expressing the most ethnically-defined views of national identity. Among Reform voters, 71% said having British ancestry was a prerequisite for being truly British, and 59% viewed the nation as an ethnic, rather than a civic, community.
Strikingly, more than a third (37%) of Reform UK voters said they would be prouder of Britain if there were fewer people from minority ethnic backgrounds in ten years' time. Furthermore, 10% stated that having white skin was important to being a good British citizen.
In contrast, a majority of supporters for all other major parties, including the Conservatives, still see Britain as a civic community defined by shared values.
Public Priorities and Political Responses
When asked what defines a good citizen, the public prioritised civic behaviour: obeying the law (64%), raising children to be kind (62%), and working hard (48%). Only 8% cited sticking up for British-born people above others, and just 3% mentioned having white skin.
Looking to the future, people's pride was tied to quality of life: a well-functioning NHS (69%), affordability (53%), and housing (36). Far fewer prioritised reducing immigration (28%) or ethnic diversity (13%).
The findings have intensified a political battle over national identity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a recent conference speech, declared a "fight for the soul of our country" against the hard right. He vowed to combat those who imply skin colour determines nationality or who advocate for mass deportations.
The research follows a series of events highlighting tensions, including a far-right march in Westminster in September organised by Tommy Robinson, which attracted an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people.
Nick Garland, an IPPR associate fellow, emphasised that "a vast majority of the public still believes in a nation built on shared values and common interests." He urged progressives and the government to "reclaim a shared, inclusive national project" and reject division.
