Still willing to lock down? Brits say Yes, but with limits
Five years on, Britons remain broadly supportive of lockdowns in the face of new pandemics — but trust in politicians is crumbling.
A new Savanta poll reveals that three-quarters of UK adults would back full lockdown measures if a fresh pandemic struck, with 38% saying they’d be more willing to comply now than in 2020, and 36% saying they’d comply to the same extent. Only 22% reported being less likely to support lockdowns today.
Yet political leanings matter.
Reform UK and Plaid Cymru supporters were the most sceptical — only 25% and 20%, respectively, said they’d be more compliant now. In contrast, 50% of Labour supporters said they’d be more likely to follow restrictions. Similar sentiments were echoed by 44% of Conservatives and 43% of Green Party backers.
Most respondents supported four to sixteen-week lockdowns — but enthusiasm dropped steeply for measures exceeding four months. Support for school closures also remains significant: 42% for primary and 41% for secondary schools. However, concern lingers, with 64% saying previous closures harmed children’s development.
Public trust is strongest in the NHS (62%) and schools (54%) to handle a future pandemic. However, just 44% believe the government would respond effectively. Finally, views are split on the UK COVID Inquiry — 44% trust its findings, while 44% do not.
Chris Hopkins of Savanta noted that the findings suggest some voters may not have fully complied in 2020. “There’s still broadly trust in the NHS and schools,” he said, “but trust in government to respond effectively is significantly lower.”
As pandemic memories fade, the challenge lies not just in readiness, but in regaining public trust.
GOING FURTHER:
Future Pandemic Poll | SAVANTA
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