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Monday, Feb 23, 2026

UK Voters Divided on Tax Pledges and National Service

A recent YouGov poll reveals that UK voters are split on Labour and Conservative pledges not to raise the three main taxes, and mostly oppose the Conservative plan for national service. Fifty-two percent of people reject the idea of a year of military service or monthly volunteering for 18-year-olds, while 39% support it. Both Labour and Conservative commitments to not raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT are supported by 46% of respondents, with 30% opposed.
A recent YouGov poll reveals that UK voters are split on Labour and Conservative pledges not to raise the three main taxes, and mostly oppose the Conservative plan for national service.

The survey shows 52% of people reject the idea of a year of military service or monthly volunteering for 18-year-olds, while 39% support it.

Meanwhile, the Tory proposal to discontinue university degrees with poor outcomes is supported by only 49% of voters.

The Conservative pension pledge to exempt a higher amount of pension income from taxes has 73% backing.

Labour’s policy of imposing VAT on private school fees is supported by 61%, and its plan for a publicly owned renewable energy provider is backed by 74%.

However, Keir Starmer’s idea to lower the voting age to 16 is unpopular, with 59% opposed.

Both Labour and Conservative commitments to not raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT are supported by 46% of respondents, with 30% opposed.

Liberal Democrat policies, such as awarding blue flag status to rivers and reducing sewage discharge, earned 87% approval, and free school meals for primary school pupils received 74% support.

The survey included responses from over 2,000 adults.

Recent Conservative strategies, like the national service announcement, aimed to attract Reform UK supporters but have not significantly shifted Reform's voter base.

The Conservatives are trailing Labour by about 20 points nationally, with party leader Rishi Sunak’s campaign struggling.

Both parties are set to release their manifestos, with possible surprises from the Conservatives as they attempt to regain momentum.
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