A new exclusive poll has revealed a significant disconnect between the British public's view of the UK's relationship with the United States and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's notably friendly approach to President Donald Trump.
Public Sentiment Clashes with Diplomatic Approach
The survey, conducted for the Mirror by Deltapoll, found that just one in five Britons (20%) believes Trump's second term in the White House will be good for the United Kingdom. In stark contrast, a plurality of 43% think it will be bad for the UK, while 27% expect it to make no real difference.
This public scepticism arrives as Sir Keir has pursued a chummy strategy with the American leader. His approach has included bestowing gifts and compliments, and notably granting President Trump an unprecedented second state visit, which is scheduled for October.
Calls for a Firmer Stance Grow Louder
The polling data indicates a clear public desire for a shift in tone from Downing Street. Nearly half of all respondents (47%) stated they want the Prime Minister to be more critical of President Trump in public. Only 15% believed he should be less critical.
This public mood echoes growing political pressure on Starmer to stand firmer. Recent controversies, including Trump's threats to sue the BBC for $1bn over Panorama editing claims and suggestions he might back far-right candidates in European elections, have amplified these calls.
At a recent Prime Minister's Questions, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to "make it clear to President Trump that any attempts to interfere with our democracy are totally unacceptable." In response, the Prime Minister defended his focus on maintaining a strong, united Europe behind Ukraine and longstanding democratic values, stating he would "always stand up for those values and those freedoms."
The Prime Minister's Defence of Engagement
Sir Keir has consistently defended his strategy of engagement. In May, following the announcement of a draft trade deal after the US imposed unprecedented tariffs, he argued that staying in negotiations was the right course. "I know people along the way were urging me to walk away," Starmer said. "We didn't. We did the hard yards. We stayed in the room."
He suggested that British workers were thankful the government did not abandon talks. However, the new poll suggests this pragmatic, non-confrontational diplomacy is out of step with the mood of a nation wary of Trump's influence.
The poll interviewed 1,997 British adults online between 16th and 18th December 2025, with the data weighted to be representative of the national population.
