Defence

The March 2026 Ipsos Issues Index reveals a sharp increase in public concern about defence and foreign affairs.

New polling data from Ipsos in the UK, carried out 6-10 March 2026, explores British public attitudes towards the conflict between US and Israel and Iran, the ‘special relationship’, and defence spending.

Concern about defence has doubled since last month to 24%, making it the joint third-biggest issue for the country.

Almost half (48%) of Britons say they are no circumstances where they would be willing to take up arms for Britain, 35% think there are. However, 42% of those aged 18-34 say there are circumstances where they would be willing to take up arms, compared with 28% of 35-54-year-olds and 36% of those aged 55-75. There is an even bigger gender divide, with 49% of men saying they would be willing to serve compared with 21% of women.

Three in ten (29%) see defence and foreign affairs as one of the biggest issues for the country, an increase of twelve points since February.

The economy remains the biggest issue facing the country, mentioned by 36% of Britons. Concern about defence/foreign affairs has almost doubled since last month, with 17% seeing it as an issue.

Starmer sees 7 ppt boost in number of Britons who think he is doing a good job as Prime Minister since February.

Almost three-quarters of the public (73%) say they do not trust President Trump very much or at all to help deliver peace in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

33% of Britons can correctly identify the location of the Chagos Islands when given a series of options on a map – 45% say they don’t know where they are.