A Nation Losing Faith: Widespread Distrust in UK Institutions

Public Services: The NHS Retains Trust But the Police and Justice System Struggle

The NHS

The NHS remains one of the most trusted institutions, with 65% of respondents expressing moderate to high trust. Trust is highest among past Labour voters (71%), reflecting the party’s long-standing association with healthcare. However, dissatisfaction is growing, particularly among past Reform UK (43%), likely due to concerns over NHS performance and funding issues.

The Police

Trust in the police is mixed, with 53% of respondents expressing moderate to high trust but a notable 48% holding low trust levels. Those aged 55-64 (58%) and Reform (64%) are the most distrustful, reflecting concerns over effectiveness and public accountability. Past Conservative voters maintain relatively high confidence, with 63% rating their trust at 2 or 3.

The Criminal Justice System

Public trust in the criminal justice system is weak, with 50% of respondents rating their trust at 0 or 1. Among younger age groups (18-24), distrust is particularly high (57%), suggesting widespread concern over fairness and effectiveness. Trust is lowest among Reform UK voters, with 77% expressing skepticism.

Government and Politics: A Severe Trust Deficit

The UK Government

The UK Government suffers from one of the worst trust ratings, with 66% of respondents ranking their trust at 0 or 1. Reform UK supporters overwhelmingly distrust the government (94%), along with Conservatives (62%), reinforcing dissatisfaction with the political establishment. Trust is lowest among those aged 55+, where over 75% express skepticism.

The Military

The military remains one of the most trusted institutions in the UK, with 55% expressing moderate to high trust. However, trust is not universal, 44% rate their trust at 0 or 1. Support is highest among older demographics (75% of 65+ respondents), Reform (67%) and past Conservative voters (68%).

Media and Information: Widespread Distrust

The Media

Trust in the media is alarmingly low, with 65% of respondents rating their trust at 0 or 1. Reform UK supporters (81%) and past Conservative voters (63%) are the most distrustful, reflecting concerns over bias and misinformation. Meanwhile, older voters aged 55+ are the most distrustful (over 70%)

Social Media Companies

Social media companies are the least trusted institution in this survey, with 68% of respondents expressing distrust. Even among younger respondents (18-24s), 65% express skepticism, showing that even digital-native generations remain wary of platforms.

Financial and Economic Institutions: High Street Banks Retain Moderate Confidence

High Street Banks

Trust in high street banks is relatively balanced, with 53% of respondents expressing moderate to high trust, while 46% express lower confidence. Older demographics and past Conservative voters (58%) are more likely to trust banks, whereas Reform UK supporters (65%) show higher levels of distrust.

Education: A Political Divide on Universities

Higher Education

Trust in universities and higher education institutions is deeply divided along political lines. While 65% of past Labour voters trust them, only 31% of past Reform UK voters share that confidence. The sharp contrast suggests that right-leaning voters are more skeptical of higher education institutions, possibly due to perceived ideological biases.

The overall poll data highlights a widespread crisis of trust in UK institutions. While the NHS and military retain relative confidence, trust in the government, police, media and criminal justice system is alarmingly low. The political divide is clear, with past Reform UK voters exhibiting the highest levels of distrust across multiple institutions compared to the other parties. As dissatisfaction grows, the UK’s political and institutional landscape faces increasing pressure to rebuild credibility and restore public confidence.

Download the data tables for this poll.