Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

As EU defence spending surges, would Brits support the creation of a European army?

Almost half of Brits would support the creation of a European army that included the UK.
Almost half of Brits would support the creation of a European army that included the UK. Copyright  Euronews
Copyright Euronews
By Inês Trindade Pereira & video by Mert Can Yilmaz
Published on
Share this article Comments
Share this article Close Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copy to clipboard Copied

Almost half of Brits would support the creation of a European army that included the UK, apart from Reform UK voters who are sticking close to the US.

ADVERTISEMENT

As talks about bolstering the European Union's defensive capabilities and production loom, a recent YouGov survey found that around 46% of British people would support the idea of the creation of a European army that includes the UK.  

Of the 7,300 adults in Great Britain who were questioned, 28% do not support the idea.

The individuals who 'strongly support' the idea are mainly located in Scotland and Wales, while those who 'somewhat support' it are generally in Wales and the south of England. 

More than half of male respondents either 'strongly support' or 'somewhat support' the idea.  

In contrast, the picture was less clear for female respondents, with many either 'somewhat supporting' it and more than a third indicating that they 'don't know.' 

Among survey participants aged 25 and over, there is a tendency to 'somewhat support' the establishment of a European army, while younger individuals remain uncertain about their stance on the issue. 

Liberal Democrats and Labour voters are generally more in favour than those who back the Reform party, who represent the largest group opposing the idea. 

However, a 'more muscular defence' could cause more trouble among the electorate, as most Brits do not want to increase defence spending if it means tax increases. 

More than half of British people would oppose paying more tax to increase the sector while only 30% would support it. 

Video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share this article Comments

Read more

Defence spending: Which EU countries are on course to hit NATO's 5% of GDP target?

From soldier to influencer: Bridging Gen Z and the German army

Nuclear war: Can you afford to survive? Here's how much private bunkers cost across Europe