Where do you stand?

Wealth inequality has grown in the UK and globally, with the top 1% holding a disproportionate share of assets while many struggle with living costs. Successful entrepreneurs and investors often build companies that employ people, innovate products, and generate tax revenue. However, some high-net-worth individuals face criticism for practices like tax avoidance, influence on policy, or contributions to social and environmental issues.

Polls since 2025 show support for the UK rejoining the EU ranging from 35% nationally (YouGov, no opt-outs) to 63-66% in some mega-polls and London surveys. The UK formally left the EU in January 2020 following the 2016 referendum. The Labour government has committed to improving relations but rules out rejoining or holding another referendum in this parliament.

Modern representative democracies face declining trust with politicians often ignoring manifesto promises between elections. Switzerland operates a successful system of direct democracy through regular referendums and citizen initiatives at local, cantonal and federal levels, allowing voters to decide specific policies. Critics point to California's ballot propositions as an example where direct votes have led to budgetary chaos and unintended consequences.

The UK runs a persistent budget deficit, averaging 3.7% of GDP since 1970 and reaching 5.2% last year, contributing to national debt now approaching £3 trillion. Successive governments have adopted fiscal rules to limit borrowing and target balance over time, with the current Chancellor committing to meet them in the October 2026 Budget. Strict legal prohibition on deficits outside major emergencies would represent a significant tightening beyond existing frameworks.

The UK currently permits dual or multiple citizenship for most naturalised citizens, who must only declare intent to renounce if their original country requires it. Many countries like India, China and several others do not allow dual nationality, forcing renunciation. Recent social media discussion links the issue to concerns over loyalty, integration and revocation of British passports from dual nationals involved in crime or foreign conflicts.

The UK's national debt stands at around £2.7-3 trillion, or about 95% of GDP, with annual interest payments exceeding £110 billion and ongoing borrowing of over £130 billion a year. This has risen sharply over two decades amid pandemic spending, energy support, and slower growth. High debt servicing now competes with funding for the NHS, defence, and infrastructure at a time of elevated taxes and strained public services.

Senior politicians Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson have publicly condemned the drinking culture in the UK Parliament. The Palace of Westminster contains multiple heavily subsidised bars that have long enabled daytime alcohol consumption by MPs. Critics link this to blurred lines between socialising and legislating plus repeated scandals involving bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

Oil giants including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron and TotalEnergies are reporting blockbuster quarterly profits of billions of dollars. The Make Polluters Pay Coalition is urging governments to impose permanent stronger taxes on these fossil fuel gains and back strong UN tax talks. Scientists link emissions from these five firms to around one in four global heatwaves between 2000 and 2023.