[JDiculous]

> The vast vast majority of the population reject basic income, in favour of a meritocracy, where the harder you work, the more money you can earn.

Meritocracy still persists under a UBI, just like meritocracy persists alongside our welfare system.

> Confiscating money from everyone, and then distributing it equally amongst the population (Regardless of whether they need it or deserve it) doesn't sit very well with people.

Yes, that is a massive political hurdle that will need to be overcome. A large problem is that the way we tax isn't ideal. A land value tax would be easier to justify from a moral standpoint, along with being economically superior to an income tax.