The majority supports cutting welfare for defense spending, new poll indicates
The majority of Britons back cutting welfare spending to boost defence, a new poll has found, as John Healey prepares to deliver his first Budget under Andy Burnham’s leadership, reports BritPanorama.
In the lead-up to this announcement, Healey, the former defence secretary, faces pressure to identify billions in savings to enhance Britain’s military budget while ensuring the government can fulfill a series of pledges laid out by the Prime Minister.
Recent polling from More in Common indicates that a significant portion of voters believes investing in defense is essential, even if it entails cuts to welfare benefits. Specifically, 57 per cent of respondents view the trade-off as justified.
Among Conservative voters, 78 per cent agree with the proposal to reduce benefits for the sake of defense funding. This sentiment is echoed by 76 per cent of those who voted Reform UK in 2024. In contrast, Labour’s 2024 voters show a more divided stance, with 55 per cent supporting the measure while 45 per cent oppose it.
Younger voters and those struggling financially appear to reject the idea of benefit cuts for defense, with 61 per cent of individuals facing difficulties supporting costs opposing such measures, as do 57 per cent of Gen Z.
“The argument of cutting benefits for defence is popular with voters overall,” commented Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common. However, he noted that support diminishes when asked about specific areas of the welfare budget, such as unemployment benefits.
Healey is scheduled to outline his proposals in the House of Commons on Wednesday, shortly after the Prime Minister’s Questions. His upcoming budget will address how to cover £5 billion in new defence spending outlined in May’s Defence Investment Plan, amid calls for further increases.
Pressure from opposition parties has increased as they demand reductions in welfare spending. Healey, at his first Labour conference speech as chancellor, argued against permitting a continually growing benefits bill, stating that it is not progressive. Burnham also indicated the necessity of transitioning more people into work to achieve welfare cost savings, while firmly ruling out “crude cuts” to benefits.
More in Common’s findings suggest a slight alleviation in public pessimism surrounding the economy, with fewer respondents believing the UK is in recession compared to previous years. Nonetheless, 51 per cent still report that their finances have worsened.
Public expectations regarding Healey’s Budget remain subdued, with 55 per cent anticipating negative outcomes and only 17 per cent expressing optimism. A broad majority expect tax increases while expressing concerns over declining quality of life.
“Despite their jump in the opinion polls, this research suggests that Burnham and his Chancellor still have their work cut out to persuade the ‘squeezed middle’ – those who work but do not qualify for benefits – that they are adequately represented,” added Tryl.
This group, feeling the impact of rising costs yet not benefiting from government aid, raises significant concerns around the adequacy of the forthcoming budget to address their needs while managing a welfare bill perceived as unsustainable.
