Brits have spoken out in a new Mirror poll, and it’s clear they’ve had enough of rising costs, poor access to NHS dentists, and harmful smartphone use in schools. The poll, run by Electoral Calculus and Find Out Now, offers a snapshot of how voters feel about some of the country’s biggest issues — and it’s not looking great for the government.
Let’s start with trade. The poll shows Brits aren’t on board with Donald Trump-style tariffs. Only 16% support slapping higher levies on imports to protect UK industries if it means pricier goods at the checkout. A larger group, 37%, flat-out disagrees with the move, while nearly half either don’t know or don’t have a strong opinion. Labour voters were especially against the idea, likely seeing it as a Trump tactic, while 50% of the public said they want closer ties with the EU — something Reform UK voters aren’t too thrilled about, reported the Mirror.
Rachel Reeves is off to Washington this week, trying to soften the blow from US tariffs, especially the 25% hit on UK-made cars. She told The Mirror last week that any deal must be right for Britain, saying negotiations with the US are ongoing but tough.
Meanwhile, back home, the country is dealing with a dental care disaster. Just 53% of adults say they’ve seen an NHS dentist in the past two years — and with routine check-ups recommended at least that often, that’s setting off alarm bells. The British Dental Association is warning that skipping appointments now means bigger health (and financial) problems later. The Mirror’s pushing for real reform, revealing that 96% of NHS dental practices aren’t accepting new adult patients.
Then there’s the phone debate. A big majority — nearly 65% — want a legal ban on mobile phones in classrooms, with just 10% against it. Support cuts across party lines, despite Keir Starmer previously saying a law isn’t needed because most schools already have rules. The NEU, the UK’s largest teaching union, says smartphone access is exposing kids to toxic content and wants action.
Benefit cuts are another major flashpoint. After Labour’s £4.8bn welfare reduction, voters are split on whether the government should borrow more to avoid further cuts — 33% say yes, 30% say no. But among Labour supporters, 42% back more borrowing. A planned vote on cutting Personal Independence Payments in June could cause a major rebellion within Labour’s own ranks, with concerns that around 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, could be pushed into poverty.
It’s shaping up to be a tense few months for Starmer, with the local elections looming and pressure mounting from every direction.
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