A new NHS trust poll shows that voters trust Keir Starmer far more than Nigel Farage to keep the health service free. The research, conducted by The New Britain Project with polling from More in Common, reveals a sharp divide in how the public views the two leaders on healthcare.
The findings show that most people believe the Prime Minister supports free and universal healthcare. Nearly 70% of those surveyed think Keir Starmer wants the NHS to stay free at the point of use. Only 30% think he does not share that goal.
In contrast, more than half of respondents doubt Nigel Farage supports the same principle. Just 41% think he backs the NHS’s founding mission of free access for all. The rest believe he would prefer a different model.
Farage has previously spoken about replacing the current NHS system with an insurance-based approach. Reform UK has since distanced itself from those comments, but the perception remains.
According to the NHS trust poll, 93% of voters want the NHS to stay free for everyone. Support for that principle cuts across all age groups, with over 90% backing it.
However, the research also highlights Labour’s challenges in other key areas. For example, 86% believe Farage wants lower immigration levels, while only 43% say the same about Starmer. On crime, 76% think Farage would take a tougher stance compared to 46% for the Prime Minister.
These figures will likely fuel debate within Labour, especially among Blue Labour MPs who argue that the party should lean left on the economy but right on social issues.
On foreign policy, Starmer appears closer to public opinion. Nearly half of voters want a balanced relationship between the EU and the US. Only 20% want closer ties with America alone.
More than 70% of respondents think Farage prefers stronger links with the US. Meanwhile, 39% believe Starmer seeks equal partnerships with both sides of the Atlantic.
Anna McShane, director of The New Britain Project, said voters are searching for leaders with conviction. She noted that while Starmer’s views often match public sentiment, some still question his authenticity.
The NHS trust poll underlines that clarity and consistency can matter as much as policy. For now, Starmer holds the advantage on healthcare — a crucial issue for millions of voters.
For more UK political news updates, follow London Pulse News.
