As the world grows more volatile and domestic issues deepen, public appetite is rising for a politics that puts Britain first. But the story is more complex than the slogan suggests. While 63% of Britons back a ‘Britain First’ approach, this does not reflect support for the terms far right associations. Further, most Britons don’t want to copy the narrow nationalism of Trump’s ‘America First’ campaign.

Our polling shows that putting Britain first is more about satisfying Britons desire to feel proud of their country. And that pride is tied to both domestic renewal and international responsibility.

On the global stage, Britons say they would feel prouder if the UK led on climate change agreements (49%), engaged more closely with the EU (46%), and did more to support Ukraine against Russian aggression (46%). At home, pride is rooted in revitalising left-behind communities through investment in manufacturing and industry (72%), and in celebrating Britain’s diverse culture and shared history (63%). National pride is about addressing people’s needs at home while leading with strong principles abroad.

The issue is, patriotism has become politically polarizing, often looked down on by those with a global and cosmopolitan outlook. In many ways, this has been a loss for progressives – because wanting global engagement and putting Britain First are not mutually exclusive; it’s possible and reasonable to want both.

If the left continues to abandon patriotism, it will cede it entirely to the right. But there is an opportunity to redefine national pride as rooted in fairness, not fear; openness, not retreat.

Ultimately, Britons don’t want to be an island adrift and alone; they want to be a strong and steady anchor in a rapidly changing world.