In a time of political volatility, young people in the United Kingdom are voicing serious doubts about the health of their democracy. According to a newly released survey, a majority of respondents aged 16 to 29 believe that British democracy is under threat, with many calling for a more open and honest political culture.
Rising Distrust and Political Disengagement
The findings, published Monday and reported by HotNews.ro, suggest that nearly two-thirds of respondents aged 16 to 29 feel democracy is “at risk.” Conducted between February 4 and 12 on behalf of the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow, the poll surveyed 2,039 young people across the UK.
A full 72% of those surveyed said that politics in Britain has become “too divided,” while just 35% indicated they would consider becoming involved in political organizations. Although 57% expressed a clear preference for democracy over authoritarian rule, only a slim majority supported deeper political engagement.
Concerns over racism were also evident: 73% called it a “significant problem.” On immigration, opinion was more split—51% agreed it had positively impacted their communities, compared to 32% who disagreed.
What Young People Want
Elisabeth Loose, one of the researchers involved, emphasized that respondents were looking for a political culture that is "more open, more honest, and responsive to basic needs."
More than a third of those polled said politicians need to be more transparent and honest. Another 27% called for younger leaders, and the same percentage want policies that directly address their generation’s most pressing concerns.
Despite their anxieties, youth turnout in the most recent general election remained low. Only 37% of voters aged 18 to 24 participated in the July 2024 election, down from 47% in 2019. While the Labour Party has pledged to lower the voting age to 16, no legislation has yet been introduced.
