UK backs wealth tax on millionaires in narrow verdict

The country split almost down the middle on whether to tax the richest fortunes, but the young pushed hard enough that Is it time for a wealth tax on millionaires? passed by a narrow margin. That tension between generations set the tone for a day when voters otherwise closed ranks behind tougher checks on public services and uniform application of the law.

The verdicts

On health, the chamber came close to unanimous: Should Yvette Cooper demand full transparency on whether NHS waiting list falls reflect real patient treatment? saw almost nine in ten say yes, though women showed deeper scepticism that the exercise would change much. The country also backed shifting Should the NHS shift more care from hospitals to the community? by roughly two to one, echoing the government's own plan with little generational friction.

Constitutional questions produced clearer resistance. Should the UK devolve more powers to the Scottish Parliament? was rejected by two to one, with women especially unpersuaded, while Should the Scottish parliament be axed? survived by a solid margin even as irritation with Holyrood lingered.

In the economy, Should the UK pursue growth in every postcode through greater local community power? carried comfortably by two to one, though women again held back while men swung behind it. Voters also supported Should the government cut DWP benefits to tackle the rising welfare bill? by three to two, with working-age cohorts most convinced and the young most resistant.

On justice and safety the country spoke with rare unity. Should the police enforce the law equally even if it conflicts with certain cultural or community expectations? passed by 110 votes to eight. Should speed limits on ebikes and eScooters be strictly enforced? won by nine to one, with almost no age band dissenting.

Welfare and governance delivered narrower calls. Should anyone getting an unemployment benefit be required to carry out community tasks such as litter picking? passed clearly but not overwhelmingly, with the youngest voters recoiling hardest. Should all national and regional official publications be in English, Welsh, and Braille only? scraped through by a hair, the young again the main bloc of resistance. Finally, Should student loans also be allowed to cover the cost of flight school? won by almost two in three, less an act of generosity than cold arithmetic about degrees that repay themselves.

Voting continues today on fresh questions.

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