Britons disagree on issues from Scottish independence to proportional representation in elections, but most agree that higher taxes should fund extra help for households through the cost of living crisis. The National Center for Social Research (NatCen) interviewed 6,250 people in Britain between September and October last year for its 39th annual British Social Attitudes report. It showed 52% were behind raising taxes and spending more on health, education and social benefits. 46% of Conservative voters and 61% of Labor voters supported the tax increases. And a majority would support government intervention similar to that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the economy as concerns grow about social inequality. The survey showed that fears about inequality are rising after the pandemic – with almost half (49%) calling for money to be redistributed to those who are less wealthy, a rise of 10% since 2019. There were relatively few differences in economic values between the north and south of England – despite the government’s flattening agenda emphasizing regional inequalities. But the attitudes of people outside London contrast sharply with those living in the capital, who are more pro-welfare and socially liberal. About 37% of people in the north expressed pro-welfare views compared to 35% in the south. In London, this rose to 47% – compared to 30-37% elsewhere. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:18 The Truss plan: Economy, energy and the NHS Constitutional challenges Participants were also asked about their views on Scottish independence – with the results showing that Britain is more polarized than ever. Around 52% of Scots are in favor of leaving the UK, up from 23% in 2012. However, the number has remained unchanged in England since 2012, with only one in four supporting Scottish independence. For the first time in the history of the survey, more people (51%) are in favor of introducing proportional representation in elections rather than the traditional first past the post office system. Support for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK has fallen below half (49%) for the first time, the survey showed. Culture wars, including issues of identity, immigration and equality, could rekindle the Brexit divide that has seen Remain and Leave voters hold diametrically opposed views – but the balance of public opinion tilts mainly towards socially liberal beliefs, According to the research. Health services under pressure Meanwhile, satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, with long waiting lists described as a major barrier to getting care. Two-thirds of people blamed long delays to book a doctor or hospital appointment for being unhappy with the beleaguered health service. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:11 Record ambulance waiting times in July But more than half of people in England and Scotland said they would pay higher taxes to improve the standard of healthcare for all. Three-quarters of those surveyed said the NHS should “absolutely” be free and available to all. NatCen Senior Researcher Sir John Curtice said: “Our research findings certainly suggest why Britain can seem divided, troubled and ‘broken’. “The health service is widely seen as not providing the timely service that people need and expect. Support for leaving the UK has grown in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the way Britain is governed has become a much more divisive issue. “A new gulf in attitudes to welfare and social issues has opened up between the capital and the rest of the country. And divisions over ‘culture war’ issues could potentially become part of our politics, thus helping to perpetuate the Brexit divide. “It is true that the gap in attitudes between the North and South of England appears to have narrowed, while people still believe they have a tax-funded NHS that is free at the point of use. “But the new government faces a particularly formidable challenge in uniting Britain.”
