A new survey has found that 41% of UK adults believe the country is becoming a “nanny state” in its approach to regulating personal lifestyle choices, with younger people most likely to hold that view.
The research was commissioned by Northerner, an online retailer specialising in nicotine pouches and tobacco free alternatives. It polled 2,000 UK adults and asked whether they agreed with the statement: “I think the UK is becoming a nanny state when it comes to personal lifestyle choices.”
Overall, 41% said they agreed.
The findings revealed a clear generational divide. Gen Z respondents aged 18–24 showed the strongest concern, with 47% agreeing that the UK is becoming a nanny state. In contrast, only 32% of adults aged 45–54 shared this view, the lowest level among the age groups surveyed.
The results suggest younger people may be more sensitive to perceived restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly in areas such as diet, smoking alternatives, and consumer habits.
Several recent public health measures have contributed to debate about government regulation.
The UK introduced mandatory calorie labelling on menus in large out of home food outlets in 2022, requiring businesses to display energy information for menu items.
Research into its impact has produced mixed findings. Some studies have reported small reductions in the average energy content of menu items, largely because higher calorie options were removed and lower calorie ones added. Other research has found limited changes in consumer behaviour, including no significant reduction in calories ordered in some online takeaway settings.
Another major policy change was the ban on disposable vapes, which took effect on 1st June 2025. The ban makes it illegal for businesses to sell or supply single use vapes in the UK.
The measure was introduced to address environmental concerns linked to plastic waste and the increase in youth vaping. Reusable vapes remain legal, and a new vaping duty is scheduled to take effect on 1st October 2026.
Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner, said policymakers should take note of the survey results. “When 41% of the public says they believe the UK is becoming a nanny state, policymakers would be wise to pay attention. It is a fine line between protecting and controlling the public, and it seems many people feel this line is being crossed.”
Lindblad added: “The reality is that the ‘positive’ effects of many nanny state policies have not materialised. For example, regulations like calorie labelling on menus or the disposable vape ban have not delivered the expected results. “If the public does not see any real improvement to their lives from additional regulations, then it is reasonable for them to question whether the UK is becoming a nanny state, especially when there are so many big challenges that need to be addressed.”
The survey was conducted by Leadership Factor in August 2025 on behalf of Northerner.
Northerner sells smoke free nicotine products and positions its offerings as harm reduction alternatives for adult consumers.
The findings highlight the ongoing debate over how far governments should go in regulating lifestyle choices in pursuit of public health goals.