Nearly 40% of Britons fear war within five years Poll reveals

Nearly 40% of Britons believe the country could be at war within the next five years, according to a new poll, while more than two-thirds say they would struggle to cope in a conflict.

The survey, conducted by policy and research consultancy Public First, also found that over half of respondents feel the UK is poorly prepared for war, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The findings accompany the launch of a private initiative, the Resilience Imperative, aimed at boosting national awareness and preparedness.

Lady Olga Maitland, founder of the donor-funded campaign, said the initiative will work across sectors of society to “inform policy debate and reinforce resolve as a cornerstone of national defence.”

The effort has the backing of General Sir Richard Barrons, a former top military commander and co-author of a recent government defence review. Barrons emphasised that resilience should become “an everyday part of how we think and act” and that public engagement on the issue remains limited.

The campaign highlights threats below the threshold of conventional war, such as cyberattacks and disinformation operations designed to influence public opinion and undermine democratic institutions.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, head of the UK armed forces, confirmed that a new national defence plan – a modern equivalent of the historical Government War Book – is being drawn up under the Cabinet Office, with the Ministry of Defence responsible for the military component. The plan is expected to be finalised later this year.

The poll also revealed shifting attitudes towards the United States, with 57% of respondents now viewing Washington as a potential threat, after Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China.

By Aghakazim Guliyev