Polling suggests 57% of voters support cutting welfare to increase defence funding

• A More in Common poll shows 57 per cent of Britons support cutting welfare spending to increase defence funding, while 43 per cent are opposed.
• Support for reducing benefits to fund military spending is strongest among Conservative and Reform UK voters, whereas Gen Z and lower-income groups predominantly object.
• Chancellor John Healey is under pressure to identify billions in savings to cover defence commitments, including a previously announced £5bn investment plan.
• Public optimism surrounding the upcoming Budget remains low, with 55 per cent of voters feeling pessimistic and two-thirds expecting tax rises.
• During a recent speech, Andy Burnham ruled out crude cuts to welfare, maintaining that reducing the benefits bill should be achieved by supporting people into work.

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