New Savanta ComRes Political Tracker data takes a look at how the public mood has adapted following a string of notable news events in August.
Perhaps due to Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, going to a pub or restaurant is highest on the list of activities people are likely to do in the next month (31%).
Last week, certain media outlets were caught in a furore over their reporting of migrants travelling by dinghies and other small boats across the channel from France to the UK. The footage included boats of journalists sailing alongside migrants, commenting on their travel and asking them questions over the water.
Campaigners and MPs condemned the coverage with one opposition MP in particular, Zarah Sultana, saying: “We should ensure people don’t drown crossing the Channel, not film them as if it were some grotesque reality show.”
News reports also claim that TV watchdog Ofcom had been hit with over 800 complaints following live broadcasts from the scene by major broadcasters.
Public opinion on the topic is largely divisive. A third of Brits (34%) say that the coverage in question is appropriate and fine to be shown on television. Almost the same number (35%) think that it is inappropriate for a broadcaster to conduct a news report in this way. However, more people are likely to think that it’s very inappropriate (21%) than very appropriate (14%) – showing that stronger opinions are felt by those who believe it to be inherently wrong.
People confident that the NHS can cope during the winter period
The government and health experts have warned that coronavirus will be harder to handle during the winter months, as it spreads more easily in cold weather.
Despite that, people are still positive about the NHS’ capacity to get through the season. Four in ten (41%) say that they expect the NHS to perform well during the period, whilst managing its general workload along with the additional strain from COVID-19.
Less than one in five (17%) expect the NHS to perform poorly over the winter due to additional pressure from the virus.
Public still wary about certain activities, but normality creeping back in some areas
Perhaps due to Rishi Sunak’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which has garnered support from people across the nation, going to a pub or restaurant is highest on the list of activities people are likely to do in the next month (31%).
A quarter of Brits will be going to the hairdresser/barber for a haircut (25%), many of which are vigilant about mask wearing on the premises.
People are still wary of taking public transport at the moment though, with just 19% saying they are planning to do so in the next month.
Taking a foreign holiday is still off the cards for most people, less than one in ten (8%) are planning on going abroad any time soon. Instead, they are much more likely to take a holiday inside the UK (17%) or stay with family (19%).