A stark new poll has laid bare a profound shift in the British psyche, revealing that a majority of people in the UK no longer feel proud of their country. The research, a collaboration between King's College London and Ipsos, points to the lingering aftermath of Brexit as a primary driver for a deepening sense of national disunity.
A Nation Divided: The Key Findings
The survey, conducted in November 2025, shows that national pride has fallen to just 46%, a significant drop from 56% recorded five years earlier in 2020. This decline in sentiment is matched by a growing perception of internal conflict.
A staggering 84% of Britons now believe the UK is a divided nation, up sharply from 74% in 2020. This 'frightening increase in the sense of national division,' as described by researchers, is further illustrated by a public increasingly uneasy with the pace of change. Half of all respondents feel that UK culture is transforming too quickly, and 48% expressed a longing for the country to return to 'the way it used to be.'
Cultural Tensions and Shifting Attitudes
The study highlights specific flashpoints contributing to this fragmented national mood. A significant 86% of people perceive conflict between immigrants and UK-born citizens, indicating that immigration remains a potent and divisive issue.
Furthermore, public opinion on social issues appears to be hardening. The survey recorded a notable shift regarding transgender rights, with 39% of Britons now believing society has 'gone too far' in this area. This suggests that the post-Brexit political splits have evolved into broader cultural battles, encompassing identity, values, and the very direction of the nation.
The Brexit Legacy and Britain's Future
Analysts interpreting the data conclude that the Brexit referendum has acted as a catalyst, opening fissures that have widened over time. What began as a debate over the UK's relationship with Europe has morphed into a more extensive schism, influencing views on governance, community, and national identity.
The findings present a challenging picture for policymakers, indicating that healing these divisions will be a complex task. With such a large proportion of the population feeling disconnected from a shared sense of national purpose, the data underscores a critical period of reflection for the United Kingdom.
