A new Deltapoll survey has revealed that a significant majority of British citizens are apprehensive about the prospect of a third world war in the near future. The poll indicates that 68% of respondents expressed concern over the threat of a global conflict within the next few years, with 29% stating they were very concerned and 39% fairly concerned.
Geopolitical Tensions Fueling Anxiety
This heightened anxiety comes against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and ongoing military actions involving the United States and Israel in Iran. The survey underscores a growing unease among the public regarding international stability and the potential for wider conflict.
Public Opinion on Defence Spending
The polling also shed light on public attitudes towards defence expenditure. A notable 42% of respondents believe that defence spending should be increased. This sentiment is particularly strong among supporters of the Conservative and Reform parties, where more than half backed a funding boost. In comparison, 43% of Labour voters and 45% of Liberal Democrat voters supported increased spending.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to raising defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, up from the current 2.6%. However, defence chiefs and some of his own MPs are urging him to accelerate this timeline. There is also mounting pressure on Starmer to publish a long-delayed defence investment plan, amid questions about the UK's military capabilities. Earlier this year, Lord Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, warned that the UK's security is "in peril" and accused the Treasury of engaging in "vandalism" regarding defence funding.
MPs Call for Urgent Action
Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the Defence Committee, has urged ministers to act decisively, warning that Britain is in an era of "heightened threat." He stated: "Russia is waging war in Ukraine and continues to test our defences at home and across Europe. The British public are aware that our military needs serious investment if it is to meet the challenges ahead. While we regularly hear that Government is increasing defence spending, we don’t believe it is moving fast enough."
Dhesi further emphasised that the Defence Committee has already called for an increase in defence spending to 3% of GDP before the next election. He expressed serious concern about the absence of the Defence Investment Plan, which has left the defence industry in a state of uncertainty.
Government Response
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson responded to the concerns, stating: "The upcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how we deliver the best kit into the hands of our Armed Forces, ensuring they are ready to face future threats. We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for Defence, and our Strategic Defence Review sets a vision to make Britain safer - secure at home and strong abroad."
The spokesperson added: "This is backed by the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War – £270 billion invested in defence this Parliament alone – ensuring no return to the hollowed out Armed Forces of the past. The upcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how we deliver the best kit into the hands of our Armed Forces, ensuring they are ready to face future threats."
