Majority of Britons do NOT trust the government

The majority of Britons do not trust the government – with confidence among the lowest levels ever recorded, a poll has revealed.

The British Social Attitudes survey found that just 15 per cent of people said they have faith in Boris Johnson‘s government ‘most of the time’ or ‘always’. 

More than double, 34 per cent, instead said that they ‘almost never’ trust the political system – a figure that has only been exceeded once before.   

The British Social Attitudes survey found that just 15 per cent of people said they have faith in Boris Johnson’s government ‘most of the time’ or ‘always’

The latest survey, which was conducted last year, found that nearly four fifths believe that the political system in Britain needs ‘quite a lot’ or ‘a great deal’ of improvement. 

This is the highest level ever recorded and a marked increase from 63 per cent in 2014. 

It is thought that trust in the government has ‘fallen away significantly’ since 2016.  

Shortly after the European Union Referendum the public appeared to be somewhat more trusting of government than they had for some time. 

More than double, 34 per cent, instead said that they ‘almost never’ trust the political system – a figure that has only been exceeded once before

By the time the Brexit stalemate was coming to a conclusion the level of trust had fallen away with both Leave and Remain supporters being equally likely to have become more critical of government decisions

But by the time the Brexit stalemate was coming to a conclusion the level of trust had fallen away with both Leave and Remain supporters being equally likely to have become critical of government decisions.   

The study said: ‘Doubts were raised about the damage being done by a political process that seemed incapable of making a decision on a subject on which the country was divided, polarised and committed.’ 

It is thought that the figures could now been even lower following the handling of the coronavirus crisis.