Overview
- An Ipsos survey conducted this month finds 24% now cite defence and foreign affairs as a key national issue, up from 12% in December and trailing only immigration at 41% and the economy at 34%.
- Defence Secretary John Healey said demands on defence are rising due to growing Russian aggression, promising to respond with hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy.
- The UK assisted American and French forces in seizing two sanctioned vessels this month, and Healey has pledged action to disrupt Russia’s so‑called shadow fleet of oil tankers.
- The Times reports Britain’s most senior military chief warned Sir Keir Starmer of a £28 billion Ministry of Defence funding shortfall over the next four years.
- Concern is highest among Liberal Democrat (41%), Labour (40%) and Green (39%) supporters, far lower among Reform UK voters (12%), and just 6% of 18–24-year-olds cite defence as important.