Surveys show rock solid public support for the basic principles of the NHS – universal, free at the point of use and mainly tax-funded. Yet given widespread public dissatisfaction with the status quo, and non-traditional challenger parties gaining ground in the polls, can we take consensus on the NHS model for granted?

In the first of two episodes, we explore big trends in UK public opinion and ask what they reveal about attitudes to longstanding institutions, like the NHS. With 40% of the public saying it would let our public institutions ‘burn’, how should policymakers respond? And can pressure for quick results be balanced with long-term reforms?

Our Chief Executive, Jennifer Dixon, is joined by Luke Tryl, UK Executive Director of More in Common, a research agency focused on public attitudes.

63: Public mood and the future of the NHS – with Luke Tryl