PM's opinion poll ratings up after response to Trump

Keir Starmer's approval ratings have shot up since Donald Trump returned to the White House and shocked Europe by withdrawing support for Ukraine, according to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer.

- Toby Helm Political Editor

Starmer's Labour government has gained public support for its response to the turbulence caused by Trump's return on security and economic issues. His personal ratings have risen by 10% compared with a month ago. Strikingly, Labour, rather than the Conservatives, are now seen as by far the best at dealing with foreign policy and defence challenges. Around 30% of voters said they would prefer Labour when it comes to “dealing with allies against threats to the UK”, compared with 18% for the Tories.

On “allocating funding to the armed forces and defence”, 27% support Labour against 20% for the Tories. Some 28% say Labour will best safeguard “the UK’s reputation abroad” against 19% for the Tories.