Today, new research from Liberty reveals that Britain really is a nation of self-confessed complainers, uncovers the everyday things that get under people’s skin and that both how people treat one another and what happens in the world around them matter.

Two in three people (67%) say rudeness towards shop and restaurant staff is among the public behaviours that annoy them most, followed by nearly three in five (59%) who say the same about queue jumping. Also topping the list, more than half of Brits (51%) are also annoyed by people talking on speakerphones, nearly one in three (33%) find influencers recording themselves irksome, while almost a third (31%) get irritated by people taking an extra seat on public transport or taking up too much space on the pavement.

The findings come from a new YouGov polling of more than 2,000 people across the UK, commissioned by human rights organisation Liberty for Britain, Keep Complaining, its new campaign using Britain’s love of a good moan to open up a more accessible conversation about free speech and why it matters.

When asked what they complain about most, almost one in four Brits (24%) say current affairs, followed by people being rude (18%) and work (11%). Just 8% say traffic is their biggest complaint, and only 6% cite the weather and 3% football.

The research also finds that three quarters of Brits (76%) admit they are complainers, while one in five (20%) say they never complain. But complaints are not always directed at the person responsible with almost half (45%) of people most likely to complain to a partner or family member, compared with just 12% who complain directly to the person or to the organisation responsible.

Some of the biggest irritations are more trivial, with research showing that one in five (19%) say people eating loudly is among the sounds that annoy them most, followed by drunk people shouting or singing (17%), loud car or motorbike engines (15%), smoke alarm beeping (13%) and flies buzzing (12%).

Britain, Keep Complaining launches with a billboard stunt in central London, inviting the public to call a live phone line and ‘leave their moan after the tone’.

The campaign also features a new film, Good Moaning Britain, with comedian Davina Bentley and members of the public sharing their daily gripes. It uses Britain’s love of complaining to highlight the importance of free speech at a time when growing restrictions and increasingly complex laws are leaving people less certain about what they can say and less confident about speaking out. libertyhumanrights.org.uk/britain-keep-complaining

Akiko Hart, Liberty Director, said: “This polling shows we Brits admit to loving a good moan, but it also reveals some treasured British values: we care about how people treat each other, and the world around us. The freedom to speak up, disagree and make a fuss is also a British value we should hold close.

“We’re fortunate to live in a diverse society shaped by different identities, experiences and perspectives. We won’t always agree, and some views will be uncomfortable or even offensive. But having the freedom to express our views is fundamental to a healthy democracy and a right that benefits us all.

“Liberty is here to protect the widest possible space for free speech, while protecting everyone’s right to live safely and peacefully. At a time when free speech is coming under threat, we want to help people understand where the line is between lawful and unlawful speech, so they can feel confident speaking out and using their voice on the issues that matter to them.”

To watch this full film and find our more visit: libertyhumanrights.org.uk/britain-keep-complaining

Contact the Liberty press office for interviews, photos and more polling data on 07973 831 128 (calls only) or pressoffice@libertyhumanrights.org.uk

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Polling: The findings are based on polling of more than 2,000 people across Great Britain, conducted by YouGov for human rights organisation Liberty. Total sample size was 2083 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 23rd September 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

2. About Liberty: Liberty is the UK’s leading civil liberties and human rights organisation. It challenges injustice, defends freedom and campaigns for everyone in the UK to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Independent, principled and evidence-led, Liberty campaigns in the courts, in Parliament and in public debate to protect rights and freedoms.

3. Liberty worked with Don’t Panic on this film and campaign. Don’t Panic is known for its ground-breaking work with charitable organisations and purpose-led brands. Believing that purpose should be at the heart of all that they do, the agency has not only pushed the line and received impressive results for its clients but has itself been recognised for its talent and hard-work, winning accolades at some of the biggest award shows, including BAFTA, Cannes Lions, D&AD and Clio Awards. A certified B-Corp, their clients include charities like WaterAid, NSPCC, Shelter, National Autistic Society and Greenpeace.

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