As I sit here today on British soil, I can’t help but contemplate the two extremes of 20th-century ideology: communism and fascism. It’s a topic that intrigues me the most.

I’m struck by the fact that many have long held strong opinions on the matter. Back in 1939, a staggering 74% of the British public sided with communism over fascism in an opinion poll. Fast forward to today, and the ideological needle hasn’t stopped moving.

In a recent YouGov poll, 80% of Brits, when forced to choose, said they would back communism over fascism, once the neutral parties were excluded.

That’s a striking figure, especially in a nation with a long history of scepticism toward radicalism.

Here we are, with Labour voters overwhelmingly in favour of communism by 93%, and even Tories, the guardians of free markets and liberties, siding with communism by a 59 to 41 margin.

The question arises: why are the British so comfortable backing a system that, in many other parts of the world, evokes memories of failed five-year plans? To understand why so many Brits are siding with communism, it’s important to look back at history.

In 1939, when that first poll was conducted, the world was on the brink of war. Fascism, embodied by the likes of Hitler and Mussolini, was wreaking havoc across Europe. Communism, on the other hand, was seen by many as the only real opposition to fascism’s genocidal state.

But in today’s Britain, the situation is ambiguous. Fascism is a relic of history books, while communism has worn many faces over the years, from the dictatorships of Stalin and Mao to the more democratic socialism of modern Europe. The image of communism as the people’s champion still dominates a wide electorate, particularly those disillusioned with capitalism’s recent failures, such as the housing crisis, wealth inequality, and austerity measures.

Now, it’s fascinating that 93% of Labour voters chose communism. While Labour has long positioned itself as a centre-left party, its base clearly has a growing appetite for something more radical. Perhaps it’s a reaction to years of Conservative rule, where centrist promises often felt like patchwork solutions to systemic issues. Or maybe it’s the younger generation, raised on ideals of equality and fairness, who see capitalism as inherently exploitative and believe communism could deliver a fairer world. It’s hard to ignore that younger voters, particularly those who supported remaining in the European Union, are twice as likely to back communism over fascism.

But what really stands out is that even among Tory voters, 59% would opt for communism. Have we reached a point where the traditional right is being pulled toward collectivism out of sheer disappointment? When even the defenders of Thatcherism (often characterised by free-market policies, tax cuts, and opposition to trade unions) are leaning toward communism, something in the British psyche has clearly shifted.

Unsurprisingly, Reform UK voters, the flag-bearers of Brexit, are the only group who plump for fascism. A narrow margin of 55%, but still, they seem to feel fascism’s authoritarian order has more to offer than communism’s promise of equality. This might reflect their anti-establishment stance, where the appeal of a strong hand leading the nation through chaotic periods maintains control.

So, it’s not as if Britain is on the verge of becoming the new Cuba or North Korea. The reality is that most people probably aren’t deeply committed to either ideology.

It’s about rejecting the horrors of authoritarian nationalism rather than fully adopting Marxist policies or a centrally planned economy.

If I had to pick, I suppose I’d fall in line with the majority of Brits and choose communism, albeit miserably.

Not because I possess a secret desire to see us all living in state-assigned flats under the watchful eye of the Party, but because fascism, with its emphasis on supremacy, control, and violent oppression, is simply a dead end.

At least communism, in its purest form, promises equality, though we know from history that such promises often come at a heavy price.

Ultimately, these results highlight a broader truth about modern Britain. We are a people disillusioned with the status quo and caught in the uncomfortable space between nostalgia for a simpler world and fear of what might come next.

So, when asked to choose between two of history’s darkest alternatives, we side with the one that, despite its flaws, still offers hope no matter which part of the world we inhabit.