CHAPTER 1:
NATIONAL PRIDE
Nationality is an integral part of individual identities.
of UK adults said their nationality was an important part of their identity.
In fact, nationality was the most widely cited factor, ahead of gender (47%), ethnic and cultural background (36%), and local area (35%). This emphasis on nationality was consistent across the population, ranking as the top response across all age groups, social classes, regions, nations, and ethnicities.
Which of the following, if any, do you think are important parts of your identity? Select any which apply.
While people do identity as British, other national identities tend to be more strongly felt.
How strongly do you identify with the following identities on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is not at all and 7 is very strong?
Although all nationality is the most important aspect across all age cohorts, older people were more likely on average to cite it as important than younger people:
of 18-24 year olds said that their nationality was an important part of their identity.
of 65+ year olds said that their nationality was an important part of their identity.
of 18-24 year olds felt very strongly British.
of 65+ year olds said that they felt very strongly British.
Similarly, older people are more likely to identify very strongly with other national identities. 36% of 18-24 year olds felt very strongly British, compared to 48% of 65+ year olds, 25% of 18-24 year olds felt very strongly Welsh, compared to 57% of 65+ year olds. Notably, this is less true in Scotland, where identity is felt broadly equally across age groups (56% vs 59%).
National identities are then more strongly felt than local or regional ones. Only 19% of UK adults very strongly identified as being from their region of the UK, and only 17% as being from their village, town or city.
People from ethnic minority backgrounds demonstrated higher levels of national pride than their white counterparts.
The public are proud to live in the UK.
of UK adults said that they were proud to live in the UK.
Whilst the majority of people felt proud of living in the UK across all demographics, the level of that agreement varied across:
- Nations and regions: England and Wales both recorded identical levels at 78%, while Scotland showed lower levels at 69% and Northern Ireland had the lowest at 64%. Within England, London stood out with the highest regional pride at 83%, suggesting that both national identity and geographic location significantly influence attitudes toward living in the UK.
- Age groups: While older people (65+) expressed the highest levels of pride at 85%, younger people (those aged 18-24) are still proud to live in the UK, and their responses matched the national average at 77%.
- Ethnicities: People from ethnic minority backgrounds demonstrated higher levels of national pride than their white counterparts, with 84% expressing pride in living in the UK compared to 76% of white people. This pattern extended to immigration status, where first generation immigrants showed particularly strong feelings of national pride at 81%, exceeding the UK average.
People express this pride in a wide variety of ways:
of UK adults have taken part in a nationwide moment of silence or national day of mourning.
of UK adults have donated to a national charity.
of UK adults have worn something with a UK-wide national symbol.
of parents in the UK say their children have participated in a national celebration through their school.
of UK adults have sung the national anthem at a public event.
of UK adults have celebrated a sports victory with others.
Sources of pride in the UK are wide and varied. When asked specifically what makes them proud to live in the UK today, respondents were split.
Pride is rooted in shared national values.
National pride is rooted in a feeling of community. Half of adults attach their national pride to the nation’s collective values, compared to a third that take pride in notable achievements. This implies that people will experience pride if a moment or event amplifies the values we uphold as a society in some way.
of UK adults believe national pride is mostly about who we are as a nation – our culture and shared values.
of UK adults believe national pride is mostly about what we have accomplished as a country – our achievements, inventions.
The sources of pride in the UK are wide and varied. When asked specifically what makes them proud to live in the UK today, respondents were split. While most cited the NHS there were a range of views on other parts of UK life that activate Pride – however most of the top responses are reflections of either the UK’s values (eg: free access to healthcare), traditions (our history and heritage) or our culture (sense of humour).
Which of the following, if any, makes you feel proud to live in the UK today? (Select all that apply)1
The NHS and access to free healthcare.
The history and heritage of the UK.
The landscape and the great outdoors.
The sense of humour that is unique.
The ability to live a safe and stable life.
The royal family.
“I’m not fully British, I came here in the last five years. I would say being British actually means adaptability and also diversity to me, the ability to coexist with other people from different cultures.”
“I am proud of being British. We’ve got great artists, great filmmakers, and great sports. I don’t think you’re truly British unless you follow at least one football team. I know it’s debated but I think we’ve got great food and cultural icons like James Bond and Doctor Who.”
“I come originally from Burma or Myanmar, to me British way of life, and being British, is about actually getting a fair chance at life to make it and so to me, Britishness is sort of having a fair shot and living in a fair society, not being oppressed.”