Massive number of British students back return of death penalty, shock new poll shows

Massive number of British students back return of death penalty, shock new poll showsA new poll has revealed that nearly half of British students would support bringing back the death penalty, in results that mirror wider public opinion. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Michael D. Carroll 04:22, Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Updated: 04:22, Fri, Jun 5, 2026 Almost half of British students back return of death penalty (Image: Getty)Support for bringing back the death penalty has emerged among almost half of British students, according to a major new survey of young voters.The poll, which questioned 1,018 undergraduates aged 18 to 21, found 47 per cent were in favour of restoring capital punishment, while 46 per cent said they opposed it for all crimes. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTThe findings place students almost exactly in line with the wider public, where 50 per cent support the death penalty and 45 per cent oppose it.Capital punishment for murder was abolished in Britain in 1969. The last executions took place in August 1964, when Peter Anthony Allen and Gwynne Owen Evans were hanged. ‘I’m a fool’ killer’s confession after stabbing student as Elon Musk erupts Execution go ahead for gang-rapists of French mother assaulted in front of kids Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyHamas backed over IsraelIn the United States, the death penalty remains legal in 27 of 50 states, although 11 are classified as "abolitionist in practice", meaning they have not carried out an execution in more than a decade, reports The Times. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTThe survey also explored...