Overview
- The March 13 YouGov survey of 2,079 adults reports 53% say a world war is likely within five to ten years, a 12‑point rise since April 2025.
- Fifty‑four percent express little or no confidence in the UK armed forces’ ability to defend the country, with only 36% voicing confidence.
- Dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of defence reaches 56%, an 11‑point increase on last year, according to the poll.
- Former senior figures General Sir Richard Barrons and Philip Ingram MBE say the fears are credible, citing a “small and broken” force and converging threats from Russia, Iran, China and North Korea.
- Reports tie public anxiety to ongoing fighting in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Russian force expansion near NATO’s eastern flank and attacks disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.