Almost 75% of Britons view US as serious threat to global peace

Almost three-quarters of Britons believe the US to be a serious threat to global peace - more than double the figure from two years ago - according to a new survey. 

A study published by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found that 74% of British people perceived the US as a serious threat to world peace, compared with 36% in 2024.

It comes after Donald Trump suffered a significant defeat in the US midterm elections, as the Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress, with the president admitting it was "largely true" that the Iran war - one of the key topics among voters - was to blame for the loss.

Results from the annual British Social Attitudes survey - the UK's longest-running survey of social and political attitudes, conducted by NatCen since 1983 - show that more Britons believe the US to be a threat to peace than China (62%), but fewer than Russia (89%).

The research found that 78% of Britons perceive Israel to be a threat, while 75% believe Iran also pose a risk to global peace.

Sophia Gaston, the report's author, said that there has been "a psychological shift in Britain" in recent years, resulting from what she describes as "war in Europe, instability in the Middle East, strategic competition with China and doubts about American leadership".

She added that foreign policy and national security were now "at the heart of the collective consciousness".

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A 'closer relationship' with Europe

The survey also found that 42% of Britons believe the country's interests are best served by a "closer relationship with western Europe", while just 9% believe they are best served by closer ties with the US.

When asked specifically which would be in Britain's military and defence interests, 37% opted for western Europe and 14% for the US - with 39% saying "both equally".

It comes ahead of a key reset summit between the EU and UK, due to be held in Brussels on 20 November.

"Britons have undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe. In a clear break with the post-Brexit era, people have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties in a world shaped by conflict," Ms Gaston added.

"Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the country sees defence in binary 'Europe versus America' terms. Britons recognise the need for a diversified approach to security alliances; one built on balance, resilience and flexibility."

Meanwhile, a record 56% of respondents supported an increase in UK defence spending - up from 28% two decades ago.

However, the results show that only 22% of those under 35 regard a willingness "to serve in the military at a time of need" as important, little more than half the equivalent figure (43%) among those aged 55 and over.

(c) Sky News 2026: Almost 75% of Britons view US as serious threat to global peace