A landmark survey of 45,000 people has revealed a Britain far more tolerant, inclusive, and united than far-right groups claim. The Giga Poll, commissioned by entrepreneur Dale Vince and conducted by HOPE not Hate with support from the TUC, paints a picture of a nation ready for real change.
Dale Vince said he wanted to understand “what Britain really thinks.” He added: “Our findings show we’re being told fairy tales by the right about the country we live in, about our fellow citizens, our neighbours and friends and what they care about. I hope the views and attitudes expressed through this massive poll will help shape the future of our country. It needs to start with government; they have the levers of power – and they need to start by listening.”
The poll explored more than 80 social, political, and economic issues. It found that the vast majority of people feel part of friendly, peaceful communities, with four in five enjoying mixing with people from different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities. Far from the “divided Britain” often portrayed in the media, people say they want practical solutions to real problems.
The survey revealed that cost-of-living pressures top the public’s concerns, cited by 56% of respondents, followed by the NHS at 38%. Immigration and asylum issues, often portrayed as the most pressing concern by far-right commentators, rank only fourth at 25%. Climate change also matters to the public: two-thirds believe it is caused by human activity, and half support the government’s Net Zero target for 2050, provided the economic case is clear. Most people want polluters to pay for environmental damage, and three-quarters back a wealth tax to tackle inequality.
Yet despite these progressive views, the poll also exposed a widening gap between citizens and politicians. Labour trails Reform UK by six points, two-thirds of people feel ignored by political leaders, and nearly 70% want new ways to influence decision-making, from citizens’ assemblies to online platforms. Nick Lowles, Chief Executive of HOPE not Hate, said: “The Giga Poll is the most important piece of polling that has been conducted for many years. Against the backdrop of growing anti-immigrant rhetoric and the largest far-right demonstration in British history, this poll clearly shows that the bulk of British people are far more positive about the country than the media discourse states.”
Economic pressures were also stark. Forty per cent of respondents fear their financial situation will worsen over the next year, and one in ten have already skipped meals or missed rent payments. People strongly support practical measures such as day-one sick pay, an end to fire-and-rehire, real living wages, and protection for zero-hours workers. Privatised utilities, particularly water companies, are widely criticised, with nearly half of respondents demanding urgent action after recent sewage scandals.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, said: “Strengthening employment rights isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s hugely popular with the British public. Making work pay is the kind of real, tangible change people are crying out for.”
The Giga Poll makes one thing clear: Britain is not broken, and its people are not divided. Citizens are ahead of politicians in their thinking, ready for action on the economy, climate, and social justice. The question now is whether those in power will listen.
Stop listening to lobbyists and start listening to the people you serve. Britain’s divisions are not about ideology – they are about whether government acts on the issues people care about.
