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The Independent Riots Poll

A public opinion poll on behalf of The Independent.

Date Published: 11 Aug 2011

Categories: Politics | Public and communities | Social | UK

Description

David Cameron’s plan to cut police numbers as part of the Government’s austerity drive is opposed by 71 per cent of the public, a new poll by ComRes for The Independent reveals today.

The poll, taken the aftermath of the rioting in London and other cities this week, also reveals that the Prime Minister and the London Mayor have suffered significant political damage as a result of the disturbances.

54 per cent of the public believe Mr Cameron has failed to provide the necessary political leadership early enough. Less than half the country now has confidence in his leadership. Half of those questioned now have less confidence in London's ability to safely hold the Olympics next year

A separate poll of business leaders in London reveals the damage done to the reputation of the London Mayor Boris Johnson among a key group of his supporters. 29 per cent say they have a less favourable view of the Mayor as a result of the riots while just one per cent have an improved perception.

Just 16 per cent believe the police have the resources to protect their business from further civil disturbances – while 9 per cent say they will reduce investment in London because of the riots.

Full results below:

Public
 
Q: Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
 
The Government's austerity policies are more to blame than police tactics for the recent rioting
Agree: 35%
Disagree: 35%
Don’t know: 29%
 
David Cameron has failed to provide the necessary leadership to take control of the rioting in London early enough
Agree: 54%
Disagree: 29%
Don’t know: 16%
 
Cuts to police numbers nationally must now be reversed by the Government in the light of this week's rioting
Agree: 71%
Disagree:13%
Don’t know: 16%
 
I have less confidence in London's ability to safely hold the Olympics next year in the light of this week's rioting
Agree: 50%
Disagree: 34%
Don’t know: 16%
 
Anyone found guilty of taking part in the riots or looting should face an automatic jail sentence no matter how small their involvement
Agree: 78%
Disagree: 14%
Don’t know: 8%
 
I have confidence in David Cameron's leadership of this country in general
Agree: 36%
Disagree: 46%
Don’t know: 17%
 
Methodology: ComRes conducted an online survey of 2008 GB adults between the 10th and 11th August 2011. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abide by its rules. For full data tables please visit www.comres.co.uk.
 
Business Leaders

Q: Will the recent rioting in London make any difference to your investment plans over the next year?
Will increase investment: 1%
Will decrease investment: 9%
No change: 90%
 
Q: Do you have confidence that:
 
The Government has the right policies in place to guide us through the recession
Yes: 39%
No: 35%
Don’t know: 25%
 
The police have the resources to protect my business from further civil disturbances
Yes:16%
No: 64%
Don’t know: 18%
 
The Government is providing the right political leadership for the police
Yes: 23%
No: 49%
Don’t know: 25%
 
Q: Has the recent rioting improved, worsened or made no difference to your view of Boris Johnson’s performance as Mayor of London? (q149)
Improved: 1%
Worsened: 29%
No difference: 69%
Don’t know: 2%
 
ComRes surveyed 150 London business leaders online from 9th August to 11th August 2011.

 

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