Report

Truth under attack?

Think tank: The Policy Institute

Author(s): Bobby Duffy

October 1, 2022

This briefing from UK think tank The Policy Institute looks at belief in terrorism conspiracy theories among the UK public.

80% of the UK public accept that serious terrorist attacks, such as the Manchester Arena bombing and the 7/7 attacks, have taken place in the UK in recent years – but this includes 61% who say it’s definitely true that this is the case and another 19% who are somewhat less certain, saying it’s probably true.

One in seven (14%) people think it’s probably or definitely false that such attacks have occurred, while 6% say they don’t know. But overall, large majorities of various groups within the population recognise the reality of serious terrorist attacks in the UK, although age is a key dividing line, with younger people less likely to think they have taken place.