Rising Ethno-Nationalism in Britain: Belief in Birthright Britishness Nearly Doubles
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A growing segment of the British public increasingly views “Britishness” as an inherited trait rather than a set of shared values, signaling a concerning rise in ethno-nationalism, according to new research. While a majority still embraces a more inclusive definition of national identity,a significant shift is underway,with nearly double the number of people now believing one must be born in britain to be truly British compared to just two years ago.
The analysis,conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and shared with The Guardian,reveals a hardening of attitudes towards national belonging. Approximately 36% of individuals now assert that birth in Britain is a prerequisite for genuine Britishness, a considerable increase from the 19% recorded in 2023. This trend underscores a broader reshaping of how people conceptualize national identity, moving away from civic ideals towards more exclusionary, ethnic-based definitions.
Reform UK Supporters Exhibit Most Extreme Views
The study pinpointed supporters of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK as holding the most pronounced ethno-nationalist views of any major party’s base. A striking 71% of Reform UK voters believe British ancestry is essential to being truly British,and 59% consider Britain an ethnic,rather than a civic,community.
Perhaps most concerning, the findings suggest a significant proportion of Farage’s supporters harbor beliefs linking national identity to race and ethnicity. Over a third (37%) stated they woudl feel prouder of Britain with fewer people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and 24% expressed a preference for Britain to have a more homogenous population, explicitly linking this to having white skin.
Similarly, when asked what would make them proud of the country in a decade, respondents overwhelmingly emphasized improvements to public services and quality of life. A well-functioning National Health Service (NHS) was prioritized by 69%,affordability by 53%,and housing by 36%. Reductions in immigration and ethnic diversity were substantially lower priorities, at 28% and 13% respectively.
Calls for a Renewed Vision of Britishness
The IPPR has urged Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party, to build upon his recent speech countering ethno-nationalist views and to articulate a clear program for national renewal. The call comes as Prime minister Rishi Sunak has also framed the debate as a “fight for the soul of our country,” vowing to confront those who deny Britishness based on skin color or heritage. “If you say or imply that people cannot be English or British because of the colour of their skin… then mark my words, we will fight you with everything we have because you are an enemy of national renewal,” Sunak declared.
Recent controversies have further fueled the debate. Reform UK has faced criticism for proposals that could lead to the deportation of legally resident individuals, while a conservative shadow minister, Katie Lam, drew condemnation for advocating mass deportations to achieve “cultural coherence.” Thes incidents underscore the growing boldness of ethno-nationalist voices within the political landscape.
The Spread of Far-Right Ideologies
Senior politicians have expressed increasing concern over the surge in ethno-nationalist ideas, much of which is amplified online. Reports indicate that far-right political content frequently appears among the most circulated stories on social media platforms.A far-right march organized by Tommy Robinson in westminster in September drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 participants, demonstrating the scale of support for these ideologies.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a British Muslim of Pakistani descent, affirmed her pride in Britain’s diversity, stating the nation is “a multifaith, multi-ethnic country” founded on shared rules and individual freedoms. Kemi Badenoch, a cabinet minister born in britain to Nigerian parents, revealed she has been the target of online ethno-nationalism, facing racist tropes and attacks on her ethnicity.
Nick Garland, an associate fellow at IPPR, emphasized that “a vast majority of the public still believes in a nation built on shared values and common interests, not birthplace or background.” He stressed the urgent need for a compelling,forward-looking vision of Britishness that rejects division and embraces inclusivity. “The fight over what it means to be British must be met by rejecting division and reclaiming a shared, inclusive national project.”
