A recent survey revealed that a majority of Britons desire opposition leader Keir Starmer to adopt a more critical stance towards US President Donald Trump, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact of Trump’s second term on the UK. Despite Prime Minister’s amiable rapport with Trump, marked by gifts, accolades, and an exceptional second state visit, only 20% of respondents believe that Trump’s re-election will benefit the UK.
The survey, conducted for the Mirror, found that nearly half of the participants wish for a more public rebuke of Trump by the PM. Interestingly, 43% of those surveyed anticipate detrimental effects on the UK due to Trump’s second term, while 27% believe it will have no significant impact. Furthermore, 47% of respondents advocate for Starmer to adopt a more critical stance towards Trump, contrasting with 15% who hold an opposing view.
In response to criticisms, Starmer defended his approach following the negotiation of an initial trade deal with the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dialogue. However, mounting pressure has urged Starmer to challenge Trump on recent issues, such as his legal threats against the BBC and potential support for far-right European candidates.
During a recent parliamentary session, opposition leader Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to condemn any attempts by Trump to interfere with UK democracy. In his response, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to European unity, particularly in supporting Ukraine and upholding democratic values.
The survey conducted by Deltapoll involved 1,997 British adults surveyed online from December 16 to December 18, 2025, with data weighted to reflect the overall British adult population.