METHODOLOGY: ComRes interviewed 2,048 British adults online between 19th and 21stSeptember 2014. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
Date Published: 21 Sep 2014
Description
COMRES / ITV NEWS POLL: TWO THIRDS AGREE IT’S TIME TO STOP SCOTTISH MPs IN WESTMINSTER VOTING ON LAWS AFFECTING ENGLAND
The latest poll conducted by ComRes for ITV News reveals that two thirds of the British population (65%) agree that it is now time to stop Scottish MPs in Westminster voting on laws that only affect England.
Meanwhile, the independence debate appears to have had negative consequences for the Union. 39% of Britons agree that the UK has been damaged by the campaign, while 61% think that England is taken for granted in the UK. This is more strongly felt in England where 41% believe the campaign has damaged the UK (compared to 29% in Scotland) and two thirds (67%) think England is taken for granted (compared to 23% in Scotland).
Half of the population (47%) believe that giving more powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is good for the UK. Devolution of powers away from Westminster to local government receives majority support: 57% think that government in Westminster should have less say over where tax payers’ money is spent, with local councils making more decisions. One in five (19%) disagree.
With David Cameron saying that Scottish independence has been resolved “for a generation”, 30% of Britons think that Scotland will probably become an independent country in next twenty years. 44% think not. Three in ten (29%) of Britons say that they feel more positive towards the Prime Minister following the referendum campaign.
Turning to leadership characteristics, David Cameron is seen as out of touch with ordinary people by significantly more than those who think the same of Ed Miliband (52% and 36% respectively).
With Ed Miliband set to make his final party conference speech before next year’s General Election, he is still struggling to carve out a positive image with the public. The Labour leader trails the Prime Minister in terms of being seen as statesman-like (9% think Miliband is statesmanlike, 37% say the same of David Cameron), competent (19% to 31%), intelligent (32% to 43%) and can get things done (17% to 31%).
More also think of Ed Miliband as weird than David Cameron (31% and 9% respectively). In fact, as many think Miliband is weird as think the same of Nigel Farage (32%).
Tom Mludzinski, Head of Political polling, ComRes, said: “Ed Miliband will be giving his final conference speech before the General Election knowing that his own personal ratings are worse than those of David Cameron. The challenge for him now is to make sure his and his party's message is heard by voters despite the messenger."
DETAILED FINDINGS:
Scotland and Devolution
Q. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
|
Statement |
Agree |
Disagree |
Don’t know |
|
Giving more powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is good for the United Kingdom |
47% |
28% |
25% |
|
The government in Westminster should have less say over where tax payers money is spent, with local councils making more decisions |
57% |
19% |
24% |
|
Scotland will probably become an independent country in the next 20 years |
30% |
44% |
26% |
|
I feel more positive towards David Cameron following the Scottish referendum campaign |
29% |
48% |
24% |
|
The United Kingdom has been damaged by the Scottish referendum campaign |
39% |
41% |
20% |
|
It is now time to stop Scottish MPs in Westminster voting on laws that only affect England |
65% |
15% |
20% |
|
England is taken for granted in the United Kingdom |
61% |
21% |
18% |
Base: All GB adults (n=2,048).
Leader characteristics
Q: Please select which of the following words or phrases apply to each party leader.
|
Statement |
David Cameron |
Ed Miliband |
Nick Clegg |
Nigel Farage |
|
Trustworthy |
20% |
19% |
10% |
15% |
|
Out of touch with ordinary people |
52% |
36% |
46% |
24% |
|
Has the right policies for Britain’s future |
26% |
20% |
7% |
25% |
|
Is statesmanlike |
37% |
9% |
6% |
12% |
|
Comes across as someone like me |
13% |
15% |
8% |
20% |
|
Competent |
32% |
19% |
11% |
19% |
|
Intelligent |
43% |
32% |
27% |
29% |
|
Can get things done |
31% |
17% |
7% |
19% |
|
Weird |
9% |
31% |
15% |
33% |
|
None of the above |
10% |
14% |
20% |
16% |
Base: All GB adults (n=2,048).
METHODOLOGY: ComRes interviewed 2,048 British adults online between 19th and 21st September 2014. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.