The i Paper’s Ian Birrell has criticised the “disgraceful British double standard” of sending jets to support Saudi Arabia against drone and missile attacks from Houthi rebels while not providing the same kind of support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.
The British public likewise tend to support assisting Ukraine, and not Saudi Arabia.
Four in ten Britons (42%) say the UK armed forces should participate in shooting down missiles and drones targeted at Ukraine, outnumbering the 30% who say they should not.
While only 25% of Britons think we should be providing missile defence for the Saudis, versus 36% who say we should not.
The public stance is shared by 2024 Labour and Lib Dem and Green voters. Conservative voters tend to favour helping both sides, while Reform UK voters are resistant to helping either country.
But what do Britons make of UK military involvement in conflicts overseas? To find out, we used our new YouGov AI Interviewer tool to ask respondents: “In which cases, if any, do you think the UK should be militarily involved in conflicts currently taking place in the world?”
The AI agent then conducted interviews with each respondent, following up on their responses, in order to provide ‘the why’ behind what Britons think. Our qualitative analysis of attitudes, including quotes, can be found below, along with examples of respondent interviews in their entirety.
Only when Britain itself is under threat
Some say the UK should only become militarily involved if Britain, its citizens, its territory or its bases are attacked or directly threatened. Others frame this more broadly as protecting the UK’s national interests.
- “It shouldnt unless there is an active threat to the UK” – Woman, 18-24
- “Shouldnt be involved in any conflict unless directly attacked” – Man, 18-24
- “If the uk is attacked then we should defend ourselves” – Woman, 45-54
- “Force should only ever be used to defend against direct attackes by others. There is never any justification for using force in any other situation.” – Man, 55+
Standing by allies and honouring commitments
Some point to NATO and other alliances, saying the UK should help allies who come under attack. Part of this is reciprocity: Britain would want the same help if it were attacked.
- “If we help them then they’ll help us if anything was to happen to the UK” – Man, 18-24
- “I think we would want help if we were ever in need” – Woman, 18-24
- “We are in a ‘club’ with our neighbours Europe and in NATO and should stick together and support each other” – Woman, 55+
- “I think that if we are allies to a country involved in this conflict then we should help” – Man, 25-34
Standing up to aggression, especially in Ukraine
Some back involvement where a country has been invaded without provocation, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some add that Russia may not stop at Ukraine if it is left unchecked.
- “As I said, the murder of civilians, and also the fact that Russia has no justification for invading Ukraine.” – Man, 18-24
- “Russia vs Ukraine for example. If Russia takes Ukraine, their invasion of Europe may not stop and we would eventually be at war with them” – Man, 25-34
- “I don't pretend to know the ins and outs of all situations but the attack on the Ukraine by Russian forces was unprovoked and initiated simply because they want something that is not theirs.” – Woman, 25-34
- “It is unjust when a country invades another to satisfy a leaders lust for control.” – Woman, 55+
Protecting civilians and preventing atrocities
Some see a moral case for involvement where civilians are being killed, human rights are being violated or genocide is taking place, with both Ukraine and Gaza mentioned.
- “The UK should be involved in all cases where people human rights are being violated and we are capable of helping, this includes Ukraine and Palestinian people” – Woman, 18-24
- “I think if it can help save lives then morally why wouldn't we” – Woman, 35-44
- “I think the UK should support the oppressed. The Ukrainians against Russia is one obvious instance.” – Man, 55+
Support, but not fighting
Some favour a defensive or supporting role, such as shooting down drones and missiles or supplying weapons, training and intelligence, rather than British forces taking part in combat.
- “It's not our job. It's fine for some financial support or giving weapons to help allies, but UK forces actively taking part isn't really right unless we or a NATO ally is attacked and invokes article 5” – Man, 18-24
- “As long as we are helping countries to defend themselves against aggressors but not actually take part in offensive action” – Man, 45-54
- “Supply the missiles needed, aid but not have too many boots on the ground” – Woman, 45-54
- “i think we should help provide ammunition but not get involved further than that” – Woman, 55+
Problems at home and stretched resources
Some say the UK cannot afford to get involved abroad, pointing to the cost of living, pressure on public services and the state of the armed forces.
- “There is a cost of living crisis going on in the country the government should focus on that rather than military intervention” – Woman, 18-24
- “Uk is going through a cost of living crisis,further involvement of Uk in a war will increase pressure on public finances .” – Man, 18-24
- “I see so much poverty in this country, we can't spend billions saving all other countries, but we owe it to our neighbours to help protect them.” – Woman, 35-44
- “We are constantly being told that resources, especially finances, are limited. If that is true then they should be directed for UK citizens alone, in my opinion.” – Man, 55+
Fear of escalation and becoming a target
Some worry that involvement could escalate conflicts, draw Britain into a wider war or make it a target for retaliation.
- “I think it runs the risk of retaliation which would be bad for uk” – Man, 18-24
- “We should not get involved as it will escalate to attack on our country” – Woman, 55+
- “Direct involvement escalates issues so right now, I wouldn't approve of it in any case” – Woman, 25-34
- “British lives shouldn't be put on the line, and we don't want to escalate the war, I'm sure the Poles would love to settle the score with Russia, we don't need to be too involved” – Man, 55+
Other themes
Some say the UK should avoid being drawn into US-led wars, particularly in Iran, with some citing Iraq and Afghanistan as warnings. Some want any involvement to have UN backing or to follow international law, while some say they do not know enough about the conflicts to judge.
- “civilian deaths - think about unneeded deaths in iraq and afghanistan” – Woman, 18-24
- “Middle east is trumps war however Ukraine is an ally and should be supported” – Woman, 55+
- “The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan 20 years ago. Zero need for the UK to get involved. Realistically there's no reason to be involved in the war with Iran now either.” – Man, 25-34
- “The UN is the consensus of the world as it represents each member state. If you have UN agreement you have the moral authority of the world on your side.” – Man, 55+
Photo: Getty
