Almost half of people in Britain say there are no circumstances in which they would be willing to fight for their country, according to new polling, raising questions about public attitudes towards national defence amid growing security concerns in Europe.

Research by Ipsos found that just 36 per cent of adults would be prepared to take up arms and fight for the UK. Meanwhile, 48 per cent said they would not be willing to do so, while the remainder were undecided.

The findings come amid renewed warnings about the security risks facing Nato and the possibility of further confrontation with Russia.

Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, recently declared that the alliance was “ready to fight tonight” if attacked. European officials have also raised concerns that Russia could seek to test Nato’s defences through covert operations or a limited military incursion.

The UK’s National Security Strategy, published last year, similarly warned that the country must be prepared for the possibility of a “wartime scenario” on British soil.

Concerns have intensified following a series of incidents linked to Russian activity against Western interests, including an arson attack targeting an Estonian defence company and an unsuccessful attempt to attack a Ukrainian aircraft at a German airport.

Public support for defence spending remains divided

Despite the reluctance expressed by many respondents about personally fighting in a war, the survey suggests there is considerable support for strengthening Britain’s military capabilities.

Ipsos found that 51 per cent of those questioned favoured increasing government spending on defence and the armed forces, even if this required additional borrowing, higher taxes or reductions in public services. Only 12 per cent believed defence spending should be cut.

However, support became more divided when respondents were asked to consider how an increase should be funded.

Some 44 per cent opposed additional defence investment if it meant paying more in personal taxes or reducing spending on public services. A further 37 per cent were against using increased government borrowing to finance the expansion.

Caroline Paskell, research director at Ipsos in the UK, said: “Our latest polling underscores the continued public recognition of the demands facing Britain's Armed Forces, with half of Britons backing an increase in defence spending despite wider economic pressures.

"However, the public mood remains finely balanced when faced with the direct trade-offs required to fund this expansion.

"While there is strong enthusiasm for military investment that delivers broader economic dividends, such as job creation and civilian infrastructure, resistance grows sharply when funding mechanisms touch personal taxation or cuts to cherished public services.

"The key challenge for ministers will be navigating these competing fiscal priorities, communicating clearly how increased security investment can coexist with public service protection and broader economic growth."

The research also found that half of respondents believe Britain should prioritise developing a closer defence relationship with the European Union, highlighting support for greater cooperation with European partners.

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