Public trust in the UK government and politicians has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years, according to the latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey. The study, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (Natcen), reveals that 79% of Britons are dissatisfied with how the country is governed, matching the peak seen during the 2019 Brexit parliamentary deadlock.
The collapse in trust is attributed to multiple factors, including the Partygate scandal, perceived broken promises over Brexit, and deteriorating public services. The survey found that 58% of respondents say they 'almost never' trust politicians to tell the truth, up 19 points since 2020. Among Leave voters, 48% now say they almost never trust the government to prioritise national needs over party interests, a 23-point increase since 2020.
Brexit's popularity has also waned, with 71% of respondents believing the economy has worsened since leaving the EU, up from 51% in 2019. Only 24% now think Britain should remain outside the EU, down from 36% in 2019. The survey notes that initial trust gains among Leave voters after the 2020 withdrawal agreement have eroded amid disappointment over unmet economic benefits and immigration promises.
The behaviour of politicians, particularly Boris Johnson's misleading of Parliament over lockdown gatherings, has had a 'corrosive effect' on trust, the survey says. It adds that telling untruths does not promote trust. The findings come amid fears that rising disillusionment could fuel populism, though the BSA notes it lacks data to confirm a populist shift.
Professor Sir John Curtice, senior research fellow at Natcen, said the next government will need to address not only economic and public service challenges but also the public's deep doubts about the trustworthiness and efficacy of the political system. He emphasised that a governing style that convinces people the government has their interests at heart is essential.
The BSA survey, based on interviews with 5,578 adults conducted in September and October 2023, has been tracking UK public opinion since 1983. It highlights that trust levels are now lower than during the 2010 MPs' expenses scandal and the 1995 sleaze allegations.
