July saw World Cup heartbreak, a new Prime Minister, and record heat and drought across the UK. Here’s a quick look at how the OnePulse community reacted to the month’s biggest stories.
July 2026 key findings
- 78% said Tuchel got it wrong when England went 1-0 up and switched to a back five against Argentina
- 44% said they never really trusted Keir Starmer to lead the country.
- 75% support banning under-16s from buying energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull, and Prime.
- 2 in 3 said the UK felt like it was slipping into a bit of a climate crisis amid the summer’s heatwaves and wildfires
- 1 in 2 agreed carers should be among the best-paid people in society, not stuck on poverty pay
Week 26 of 2026
England’s game against Mexico started at 1 am on Monday and went into the early morning. 55% called it a statement win, and 42% thought Bellingham’s second goal was the key moment.
A big UK kebab supplier was fined after their ‘lamb’ doners were found to have goat, fat, skin, and hardly any lamb. 45% said they now wanted to avoid kebab meat, but 1 in 10 admitted they’d still buy it if it tasted good and was cheap. At Wimbledon, a food debate started when chef Bryn Williams swapped scones for Welsh cakes and bara brith on a £467.50 afternoon tea menu. 42% wanted to keep the scone, but 15% were happy to try a Welsh cake instead.
The UK was preparing for its third summer heatwave, with the Met Office predicting temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s by midweek. Two in three said it felt like the country was heading into a climate crisis.
Sky’s takeover of ITV’s channels and ITVX was one of the biggest in British media history. 15% thought it sounded exciting, but 43% were concerned it gave too much power to too few companies.
Nigel Farage decided to step down and run again for his seat after a £5m donation dispute. Half of respondents thought resigning made him look like he was trying to avoid scrutiny.
Bonnie Tyler died unexpectedly at 75, even though recent reports said she was recovering. One in four called her a true British icon, and one in three saw her as a big star from a certain era. Ann Widdecombe, the outspoken former Tory MP, Brexit supporter, and surprising Strictly star, also died that week at 78. 16% thought she’d be remembered more for being controversial than for any single job.
Week 27 of 2026
England made it to the World Cup semi-finals, but it wasn’t easy. Before the game, half of England fans said the whole team needed to step up to bring football home. The dream ended after a tough match against Argentina. Opinions were split: 38% blamed England’s tactics, while 31% thought Argentina were just better. Many also questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decisions, with 78% saying he got it wrong.
A major incident was declared in North Wales as firefighters battled a large wildfire, and many parts of the UK faced a high risk of more fires. 21% said seeing wildfires in the UK was changing their view on climate change and making it feel much more real.
The government announced over £250 million to boost policing and security for Jewish communities over the next three years after a series of violent antisemitic attacks. Half of respondents supported the move.
New research suggested that by 2044, one in three pensioners could be renting, with nearly two million more people reaching retirement without owning a home. 29% said owning their home outright would matter most to them in retirement.
A writer noticed something bleak in this week’s bestseller list: 9 of the top 10 fiction paperbacks involved a woman being murdered, making up 84% of sales. 38% of women said they found it disturbing that violence against women was being used as entertainment.
Week 28 of 2026
Keir Starmer officially resigned as Prime Minister. 19% found him inspiring, but 44% said they never really had confidence in his leadership.
Andy Burnham moved into No 10 without a new general election, promising lower bills and more stable politics after years of change at the top. One in three think he’ll be a better PM than Starmer, but most, 53%, don’t expect him to be much better or worse.
Burnham announced he would cut VAT on electricity bills from October, saving the average home about £45 a year, funded by ending the digital ID scheme. 26% thought it sounded like a meaningful cut, while 41% said it was more of a headline than a real change.
He also said pubs, clubs, and live music venues would get a 20% business rates cut next April, worth about £1,100 for a typical pub. This would be partly funded by higher taxes on vape shops and tax dodgers. 11% said the change might encourage them to go out more often.
Burnham also embraced a social-first approach as PM, teaming up with creators, sharing casual phone videos, and even posting a running video with Mo Farah. 21% liked it and thought it would engage younger people, while 16% disliked the idea and felt he should focus on politics.
England announced a ban on under-16s buying energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull, and Prime, with shops facing fines if they sell them. 75% supported the move.
A Welsh influencer carried a bath up Pen y Fan, took a soak, and left it there for 48 hours so others could use it. 8% admitted they’d done something just for social media likes.
Week 29 of 2026
A boat as long as a bus carried a record 165 people across the Channel, with a 19-year-old accused of piloting it. Only one in five would support more safe and legal routes into the UK, which would lead to fewer overloaded Channel boats.
Girlguiding changed its uniform for the first time in 30 years. Now, girls only need one official top to be in uniform, and the new range starts at £12 so they can mix and match. 49% said lower costs were the most important factor.
Sainsbury’s launched a £5 Taste the Difference British Salad Selection Box, filled with peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes grown in Kent. 40% said price mattered more than British origin when buying salad.
Andy Burnham said carers should be among the best-paid people in society, not stuck on poverty pay. 1 in 2 agreed, saying their work is too important to keep paying poverty wages.
The NHS started adding AI to its app to help direct people to a GP, pharmacy, A&E, or self-care, and to write up appointment notes so staff spend less time typing. 30% said they support it if it meant shorter waiting times.
Halifax, which has been around for 173 years since starting in the West Yorkshire town of the same name, was merged into the Lloyds brand. 18% said they would seriously consider switching banks because of the name change.
Wales declared a nationwide drought after receiving only 8% of its usual July rainfall. 38% said they were taking shorter showers to help save water.
Curious about the stories people reacted to 2026’s biggest headlines to date?
Take a look at January, February, March, April, May and June UK public opinion snapshots.
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