World warfare worry for Brits in new period of menace with UK ‘in peril’
An exclusive survey by Deltapoll found 68% were worried about the threat of a global conflict in the next few years, with 29% very concerned, and 39% fairly concerned
The majority of Brits are worried about the prospect of World War 3(Image: Russian Foreign Ministry’s official/APAImages/Shutterstock)
The majority of Brits are concerned about the threat of a third world war in the next few years.
A survey by Deltapoll found 68% were worried about the threat of a global conflict, with 29% very concerned, and 39% fairly concerned.
It comes in the face of Russia ’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the ongoing US/Israeli action in Iran.
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The polling also showed the nation was concerned about defence spending, with 42% wanting to see it increased. More than half of Tory and Reform voters backed a funding boost, compared to 43% of Labour voters, and 45% of Lib Dems.
The PM has vowed to bump spending up to 3.5% by 2035, up from 2.6%, but has been urged by defence chiefs and his own MPs to go faster and further. Keir Starmer has also been under pressure to publish a long-delayed defence investment plan amid questions about Britain’s military capabilities. Earlier this year Lord Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, warned the UK’s security was “in peril” and accused the Treasury of “vandalism”.
Defence Committee Chair Tan Dhesi MP urged ministers to act, warning Britain was in an era of “heightened threat”. He told this newspaper: “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.
“The Defence Committee has already urged the Government to take steps to increase spending on defence to 3% of GDP before the next election. And we are seriously concerned about the absence of the Defence Investment Plan, which has left the defence industry in limbo.”
An MOD Spokesperson said: “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.
“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.”
