Defence Industrial Strategy Voter Research

In collaboration with Public First, Stonehaven has put together analysis and key recommendations derived from our recent international research on defence industrial strategy. Our research, covered by the Financial Times, looks into voter attitudes across four key markets: the USA, UK, France, and Germany.

Our research finds that the current increases in defence spending do not yet have a stable base of political support – but there is an opportunity to grow this base through well-delivered defence industrial strategies. The defence sector faces some specific challenges, with voters holding conflicting views: voters worried about their own security nonetheless hold concerns about the sector's value proposition and role in society. Meanwhile, public sentiment is behind greater European sovereign capability and stronger UK supply chains. There is also support for a more ethics-based approach in order to attract investment and new talent. Despite current geopolitical instabilities, our polling reveals clear opportunities for the defence sector to build on and increase support in order to establish the UK as a leader going forward.

Click the link below to access our full polling data and voter research on the prioritisation of defence in an uncertain world. We explore public opinion on national security, geopolitical tensions, defence spending & investment, and the UK’s role on the global stage.