New data shows public worry about global conflicts has reached its highest level since monitoring began in October 2022.
Nearly two-thirds of adults across Great Britain now view international conflict as a key issue facing the country, according to the latest government survey data.
The Office for National Statistics reported that 63% of adults identified international conflict as an important concern between 1 and 26 April 2026. This marks a sharp rise from February 2026, when half of adults flagged it as a priority.
The figure represents the highest level of concern about international conflict since the ONS began tracking this issue in October 2022 through its regular Opinions and Lifestyle Survey.
Rising Worries Amid Persistent Domestic Pressures
But international conflict hasn’t displaced traditional concerns. The cost of living remains the dominant worry, with 88% of adults citing it as important in January 2026 data. The NHS follows closely at 82% – a figure that has stayed remarkably stable since October 2022.
The economy rounded out the top three concerns at 69% in the January survey period.
Meanwhile, the ONS collects this data through its Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, which tracks public attitudes across Great Britain using online questionnaires and telephone follow-ups. Samples typically include several thousand adults aged 16 and over, with results weighted to reflect the national population.
Sharp Increase Reflects Global Events
The 13 percentage point jump between February and April 2026 suggests major international developments influenced public opinion during this period. Yet domestic economic pressures continue to dominate the public agenda.
Survey questions allow respondents to select from a list of potential issues, including the cost of living, NHS, economy, environment, crime, immigration and international conflict. The data feeds into the ONS’s regular “Public opinions and social trends” publications, produced in partnership with the Cabinet Office.
These bulletins help government departments gauge public priorities when developing policies and communication strategies. The survey provides rapid insights into how major events – both domestic and international – shape public concern.
What This Means for Kent Residents
Kent residents are included in the national survey sample, though county-level breakdowns aren’t published. However, the county’s position as Britain’s gateway to Europe means international conflicts can have direct local impacts through disruption to cross-Channel trade, freight delays on the M20, and increased security measures at Dover and the Channel Tunnel. Local businesses involved in international trade, logistics or tourism should monitor government guidance on potential disruption, while households facing combined pressures from global events and cost-of-living concerns can access support through Kent County Council services and local Citizens Advice offices.
Source: @ONS
Key Takeaways
- 63% of adults now see international conflict as a key UK issue – the highest since tracking began in 2022
- Concern jumped 13 percentage points between February and April 2026
- Cost of living (88%) and NHS (82%) remain the top public priorities