Britons believe the UK is seen by the rest of the world as ‘weak’ and ‘soft touch’, top pollster says
Majority of Britons think UK is viewed negatively on world stage
- A new poll reveals only one in four Britons believe the UK is viewed positively on the world stage, with many describing its image as 'weak' or a 'soft touch'.
- Despite this negative perception, three-quarters of Britons (75 per cent) consider the UK's international standing important, and 61 per cent desire the country to play a significant role in global affairs.
- Luke Tryl of More In Common noted that Britons are not 'little Englanders' and want the UK to lead internationally rather than retreat.
- The public's top priorities for the UK's global role include building security, fostering investments, improving global health, preventing pandemics, and tackling global poverty and climate change.
- This public desire for an active global role contrasts with the prime minister's decision to slash the global aid budget to a 25-year low, while Sir Keir Starmer aims to bolster his image as a global statesman.