Love may not conquer all when politics and culture collide, a recent study suggests.
According to new research, disagreements over divisive issues like Brexit, immigration, and transgender rights are top reasons British couples are calling it quits.
The research shows that “culture war” debates are straining relationships more than many might expect.
Couples are not just disagreeing—they’re splitting over these hot-button topics.
Culture Wars and Wokeness Drive Conflict
More than two in five divorced Britons (42%) reported that disagreements about gender identity, cancel culture, immigration, climate activism, and political correctness played a role in their marriage breakdown.
Political correctness and “wokeness” (41%) and immigration (41%) topped the list of triggers.
They were closely followed by debates about transgender issues (31%), cancel culture (26%), and climate activism (20%).
Some couples even reported arguments over Donald Trump (17%), the MeToo movement (15%), and Middle East politics (14%) as contributing factors to their divorce.
Brexit Continues to Influence Love Lives
Brexit remains a controversial topic in relationships, with one in four respondents (24%) admitting that debates over how they voted, or the implications of the 2016 referendum, led to tension and eventual separation.
Interestingly, 26% of those surveyed confessed they would avoid dating someone who voted differently on Brexit, showing how deeply political alignment now influences romantic choices.
Bedroom Challenges and “Sleep Divorces”
Politics isn’t the only battlefield. The study also highlighted how bedroom issues can drive couples apart.
Nearly half (47%) said that snoring or sleep apnoea symptoms contributed to their relationship breakdown.
A staggering 85% admitted to going through “sleep divorces,” choosing to sleep in separate rooms, which often escalated tensions and ultimately contributed to separation.
Study Context and Methodology
The survey was conducted in September 2025 by UK health technology company 32Co, coinciding with the launch of its Aerox Sleep Centres across the UK.
These centres offer non-invasive treatments for snoring, emphasizing the company’s interest in both sleep health and relationship well-being.
Takeaway
The research paints a vivid picture of how modern cultural and political debates—combined with practical issues like sleep problems—can strain even the closest relationships.
For many couples, it seems, differences in values, politics, and lifestyle can weigh as heavily as emotional compatibility.