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Public trust in the major British institutions is at its lowest level ever with only Russia faring worse, a major survey shows today.

The annual Edelman Trust monitor, the world’s biggest study of trust in the media, government, business and NGOs across 28 countries, raised big questions of the conduct of our politicians and leaders.

They are widely considered to have taken a blow as a result of events such as the financial crash, Brexit and the impact of austerity.

The UK came 27th out of 28 countries surveyed on trust in institutions with a majority of people now questioning the effectiveness of democracy and capitalism.

Six in 10 respondents claimed that politicians deliberately set out to undermine national institutions for their own gain, while the same number thought they undermined democracy by doing so.

(Image: REUTERS)

A majority - 57% - said in general the behaviour of politicians makes things worse in Britain.

However, the increased certainty as a result of the election has led to a 10% boost in trust in the government.

Edelman’s Ed Williams said: “Political and business leaders need to raise their ethical standards, partner on the big issues and deliver tangible change in people’s lives if they are to build the trust of the British public.”