British Council · 2024
This large-scale mixed-methods study by the British Council (conducted by Savanta) explores the views, values, and aspirations of 18–30-year-olds across all four UK nations in 2024. Young people report an "optimism gap" — more hopeful about their personal futures than the UK's or world's — alongside deep frustration over financial insecurity, housing affordability, and limited job prospects. They feel largely unheard politically, perceive the education system as inadequately preparing them for life, and are redefining community away from geography toward shared interests and identity, including online spaces. The report also examines post-Brexit impacts on international mobility, arts and culture engagement, and national identity.