UK: Public opinion on coronavirus – 18th June
As the UK begins to re-open its economy, the latest Opinium poll reveals that approval of the government is finally on the ascent following periodic declines since April.
Despite the rise, polling remains overall out of government’s favour. NET approval for the Government remains negative at -11 whilst in comparison, approval ratings for the Labour Party’s response is +4.
Testing also remains a sticking point. Three-in-five (59%) say the current levels of Covid-19 testing are insufficient, with 54% disapproving of the government’s handling of testing altogether. And whilst the Conservatives sit on a 4-point lead, they are down 1 percentage point from last week.
Free-school meals
Two-in-five (42%) English adults say Boris Johnson’s U-turn on providing free-school meals during the summer has increased their respect for the government. Meanwhile, 54% of the British public view the influence of Marcus Rashford on the decision positively.
Foreign aid should focus on reducing poverty, but there remains a role for security
Following the government’s announcement on the merger between the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development, overall, the UK favours the use of foreign aid to relieve global poverty over national security. 53% of the UK public think foreign aid should be focussed on reducing poverty, 18% of those think 25% say it should be used to protect the national interest and security abroad.
You can find the full report here.
You can find the full data tables here.