 "Majority of young Britons fear for the future of democracy, says new poll")
Majority of young people are “concerned” about the state of democracy in the UK, according to a Politico report, citing a poll released on Monday.
The survey, which was conducted from February 4-12 and included 2,039 individuals aged 16-29, revealed that 63% of respondents believe democracy is “in trouble,” while nearly three-quarters (72%) feel that British politics has become “too divided.”
Commissioned by the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre for its UK Youth Poll 2025, the study also found that young people prefer living in a democracy over a dictatorship by a margin of 57% to 27%.
However, opinions on political engagement were mixed, with just over a third (35%) indicating they would consider participating in organised politics, added the report, citing the survey.
While nearly three-quarters (73%) said they believed racism was a “significant issue,” they were divided on whether immigration had changed communities for the better, as 51% agreed with the statement against 32% who disagreed.
“Young people are undoubtedly worried about the future of the UK and they are concerned about the state of democracy," Politico quoted Elisabeth Loose, research and external engagement officer at the John Smith Centre, who led the survey, as saying.
“As to what young people want from politics, the answer is a more open, honest political culture which provides answers to their basic needs,” she added.
More than a third of respondents (36%) expressed a desire for politicians to be “more open and honest,” while 27% wanted to see more young people in leadership positions. The same percentage indicated that they would like the government to prioritise issues that are important to them, reported Politico, citing the survey.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAccording to an Ipsos analysis, only 37% of 18-to-24-year-olds participated in last July’s general election, a decrease from 47% in 2019. Although Labour has pledged to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 in its manifesto, it has yet to introduce legislation to implement this change.
With inputs from agencies
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