Study Finds Rising Number of Britons Associate Britishness with Birthplace and Ancestry
A recent poll conducted by IPPR and YouGov reveals that 36% of respondents say that a person must be born in Britain to be truly British, a significant increase from 19% in 2023. Despite this, a majority still regard Britishness as rooted in shared values rather than ethnicity or birthplace.
The study highlights a growing minority linking British identity to ethnicity, birthplace, and ancestry. This view is most prominent among supporters of Reform UK, where 71% state that British ancestry is a prerequisite, and 59% perceive the nation as ethnic rather than civic. Among Reform UK voters, 37% say they would be prouder of Britain with fewer minority-ethnic people in ten years, and 10% believe white skin is important to be a good British citizen.
Outside of Reform UK, supporters of major political parties predominantly see the nation as a civic community defined by shared values. When asked what qualities make a good British citizen, 64% cited obeying the law, 62% emphasized raising children to be kind, and 48% mentioned working hard. Only 8% identified defending British-born people above others, and 3% listed having white skin as important.
Regarding future priorities for national pride, 69% of respondents prioritized a well-functioning NHS, 53% affordability, and 36% housing. Reductions in immigration (28%) or ethnic diversity (13%) were less emphasized.
In response to these findings, the IPPR has urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to articulate a clear vision for national renewal. Starmer's conference speech was framed as a counter to ethno-nationalist ideas. Reports also note the presence of significant far-right online content and a large far-right march in Westminster, with attendance estimated between 110,000 and 150,000 people.
