Britons believe the UK is viewed as “weak” and a “soft touch” by people abroad, according to a leading pollster who found that just one in four think the UK is seen in a positive light.
The new poll, from More in Common and Save the Children, shared exclusively with The Independent, found that three out of four Britons (75 per cent) say that the UK’s international perception matters.
“Britons are not little Englanders,” said Luke Tryl, director of More In Common. “They care about how our country is seen on the world stage, even if only a quarter think we’re seen positively right now.”
Reform voters were most likely to believe the UK was perceived negatively abroad, while Green Party voters were the least likely to say the UK is viewed in a positive light.
Meanwhile, Labour voters were the only group to say the UK is more likely to be viewed positively (43 per cent) than negatively (33 per cent).
Respondents also described the UK’s image as “weak” and “soft touch”, at a time of geopolitical insecurity.
“In focus groups Britons often share a sense that the UK’s power has diminished in recent years and that we no longer lead on the world stage,” Mr Tryl told The Independent.
“Britons care about how our country is seen on the world stage and want to see the UK leading the way, rather than retreating.“
Sir Keir Starmer has sought to bolster his reputation as a global statesman since coming to power and has played a key role in uniting world leaders on the war in Ukraine. He has been a leading member of the “coalition of the willing” and played a key role in thawing relations between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump after their public spat at the White House in February.
Over half (61 per cent) of those polled want the UK to play a large role in international affairs, at a time of multiple geopolitical crises.
But earlier this year, the prime minister slashed the global aid budget to just 0.3 per cent of gross national income – its lowest level in 25 years – in order to fund an increased defence spend.
“The British public are telling us that they want the UK to have an outward-facing global role,” said Moazzam Malik, chief executive of Save the Children UK.
“They understand that their future prosperity and security is tied to the rest of the world. As we debate and reshape our country’s role on the world stage, I hope political leaders listen carefully.”
Above all, building UK security is considered the top priority for Britons, the poll shows. This is followed by creating strong investments, improving global health and preventing pandemics.
Britons also say it is important for the UK to play a role in the fight against global poverty .
An independent report earlier this year found that direct funding to developing countries fell from £5.9bn in 2019 to just £2.7bn in 2023 – making up a quarter of the UK’s aid spend.
The majority (75 per cent) of Brits also believe it is important for the UK to play a role in tackling the climate crisis and preserving nature around the world.
As the world gears up for COP30 in November, experts have warned that the key 1.5C global warming target is likely to be exceeded – and aid cuts by the US mean that poorer countries have less money to adapt to climate change.
“Building trust and partnership with other countries is vital,” said Mr Malik.
“As we move to a multi-polar world, this must now be a moment to reflect and to rebuild our commitment to international cooperation.”
