LONDON: Nearly half of Britons say they would not fight for the United Kingdom under any circumstances, yet a majority back higher defence spending, according to an Ipsos poll.
Of 1,090 adults surveyed from Sept 29 to Oct 1, 48 percent said they would not go to war, 36 percent said they would and 16 percent were unsure, the poll found. Fifty-one per cent said the government should spend more on defence even if it meant higher taxes or cuts elsewhere, and 12 per cent wanted spending reduced.
Ipsos UK research director Caroline Paskell said ministers faced the challenge of balancing support for military investment with concerns about household finances and public services. Half of respondents said a closer defence relationship with the European Union should be a priority.
The survey followed remarks by NATO’s top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, that the alliance was ready to fight if attacked, though he stressed conflict was neither imminent nor inevitable.
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