Public Support for Government Response to Riots as Starmer's Popularity Declines

[Social Media]

 

Recent polling data reveals that while the public broadly supports the government's handling of the social unrest that erupted over the summer, Keir Starmer's personal appeal is waning. The Opinium poll for the *Observer* shows that the public approves of the measures taken to address the riots, including the pursuit of those inciting racial hatred and violence online. However, the initial surge in approval ratings that Starmer experienced following his election victory has now subsided, returning to pre-election levels.

 

The survey indicates that 43% of voters approve of the government’s response to the riots, while 30% disapprove. The government's approach, characterized by a combination of strong legal action and social media crackdowns, appears to resonate with the public. Specifically, 44% of voters believe the government’s reaction to the violence and unrest was proportionate, while 26% feel that it did not go far enough. In contrast, only 18% of respondents think the government overreacted.

 

There is also significant public backing for the sentences imposed on those involved in the riots, with 70% of those polled viewing them as either appropriate or not harsh enough. This stance extends to the government's actions against online incitement, with 67% of voters supporting the arrest of individuals who promoted racial hatred on social media. Similarly, 68% approve of the arrest of those inciting violence online, despite criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who referred to Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions in England and Wales, as part of “The Woke Stasi.” The poll results suggest that the majority of the public disagrees with Musk's viewpoint, instead endorsing the government's firm stance against online hate speech.

 

Immigration has re-emerged as a major issue for voters, now ranking alongside the economy in importance, though still trailing health and the NHS. Interestingly, the public seems to differentiate between their views on immigration and their attitudes towards the rioters, with two-thirds of voters considering immigration levels to be too high. Adam Drummond, head of political and social research at Opinium, highlighted that the public's condemnation of the rioters does not necessarily equate to dismissing concerns about immigration. He stated, “The idea that condemning rioters was somehow saying concerns about the level of immigration were illegitimate was always a lie and the results in our poll show this quite clearly.”

 

Despite this strong support for the government’s response to the riots, Starmer’s personal ratings have taken a hit. As he approaches his 50th day in office, the public remains divided on the Labour government's overall performance. Approximately 24% of voters feel more positive about Labour since it won the election, while 29% feel more negative. Labour’s lead on key issues such as the economy and health has narrowed, with the party's advantage on the economy shrinking to four points and its lead on health dropping by three points since the election.

 

Starmer’s personal approval rating has also declined significantly. After a post-election spike, his net approval rating has fallen back to -7%, down 10 points from the beginning of August and 26 points from his first approval rating as prime minister. In contrast, Rishi Sunak’s approval rating remains unchanged at -30%.

 

One of the new government's early successes, according to the public, has been its handling of public sector pay rises, with 19% of voters identifying this as Starmer's most effective action so far. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to cut public spending has been perceived negatively, representing the biggest challenge for the government.

 

The poll also poses strategic questions for Reform UK regarding their stance on social unrest and the influence of far-right figures. The party's voters are divided on their views of Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist who has been vocal about what he describes as "two-tier" policing of the riots. The poll reveals that 29% of Reform voters approve of Robinson, while an equal percentage disapprove, highlighting the internal conflict within the party over how to approach these issues.

 

Credit: The Guardian  2024-08-20

 

 

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[wavodavo]

SO WHATY..WHO CARES !!

[Purdey]

50 days in office? Wow.

[James105]

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

a far-right activist who has been vocal about what he describes as "two-tier" policing of the riots

 

Most people who have working eyes and ears would describe it as 2 tier policing e.g

 

Harehills riots arrests: 27

Southport riots arrests: 1000+

[blazes]

All this poll shows is basically what we all already knew: it doesn't really matter which party wins an election.    And this is true  of all parties everywhere.

 

Only when a leader with a strong personality and strong opinions as to how the problems of the day can be solved does it matter who wins the election.  You may disagree with the "winner" (even hate him or her) but at least he or she has a good chance of affecting history for a short while.

 

Not many such figures quickly spring to mind:  Margaret Thatcher?  Mikhail Gorbachev? Churchill? Stalin? Certainly no modern politician....

[JonnyF]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

The Opinium poll for the *Observer* shows that the public approves of the measures taken to address the riots, including the pursuit of those inciting racial hatred and violence online.

 

Not surprising, given that voicing disapproval gets you 3 years in the gulag.  

[placeholder]

10 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Not surprising, given that voicing disapproval gets you 3 years in the gulag.  

Really? Those jailed were arrested for giving the wrong answers on a poll?  

That's what the rioters were doing? Just "voicing disapproval?"

[Chomper Higgot]

4 hours ago, James105 said:

 

Most people who have working eyes and ears would describe it as 2 tier policing e.g

 

Harehills riots arrests: 27

Southport riots arrests: 1000+

Most people can do simple math.

 

Harehill, single short lived riot.

 

Southport Riots, coordinated riots at multiple locations  over several days across the county.

 

The sheer scale alone explains the difference in numbers arrested.

 

 

Edited August 20 by Chomper Higgot

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Not surprising, given that voicing disapproval gets you 3 years in the gulag.  

Always ready with hyperbole.

[James105]

11 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Most people can do simple math.

 

Harehill, single short lived riot.

 

Southport Riots, coordinated riots at multiple locations  over several days across the county.

 

The sheer scale alone explains the difference in numbers arrested.

 

 

 

I said "Most people who have working eyes and ears would describe it as 2 tier policing e.g"

 

I didn't say everyone would describe it as 2 tier policing, only most.   Maybe a trip to specsavers is in order?  

[Chomper Higgot]

1 minute ago, James105 said:

 

I said "Most people who have working eyes and ears would describe it as 2 tier policing e.g"

 

I didn't say everyone would describe it as 2 tier policing, only most.   Maybe a trip to specsavers is in order?  

Or back to primary math class. 

[sungod]

Its a one term government, the Tories took 14 years to self destruct, 2 Tier Kier is managing it in a month.

[placeholder]

48 minutes ago, sungod said:

Its a one term government, the Tories took 14 years to self destruct, 2 Tier Kier is managing it in a month.

Someone else who owns a crystal ball?

[placeholder]

Rightwing members here don't seem to have read the article. Whatever Starmer's decline in popularity with the electorate may be, it's not because the government has been too harsh on the rioters.  You are backing a horse that's bound for the knackers. Here's a quote from the article which they apparently failed to read:

" Specifically, 44% of voters believe the government’s reaction to the violence and unrest was proportionate, while 26% feel that it did not go far enough. In contrast, only 18% of respondents think the government overreacted."

So only 18% of the electorate thinks the government went too far. More citizens actually believe that it didn't go far enough. And a total of 70% either agree with government policy or believe it wasn't harsh enough. 

 

[sungod]

8 hours ago, placeholder said:

Someone else who owns a crystal ball?

 

No crystal ball required on this one, its staring you in the face

8 hours ago, placeholder said:

Rightwing members here don't seem to have read the article. Whatever Starmer's decline in popularity with the electorate may be, it's not because the government has been too harsh on the rioters.  You are backing a horse that's bound for the knackers. Here's a quote from the article which they apparently failed to read:

" Specifically, 44% of voters believe the government’s reaction to the violence and unrest was proportionate, while 26% feel that it did not go far enough. In contrast, only 18% of respondents think the government overreacted."

So only 18% of the electorate thinks the government went too far. More citizens actually believe that it didn't go far enough. And a total of 70% either agree with government policy or believe it wasn't harsh enough. 

 

Wait to they start releasing peados and violent criminals to make way for people who received 2 years for shouting 'lets have it' at the police, and not forgetting that violent lady still on remand for buying eggs. I think you will find people will slowly realise 2 tier Kier and his band of left wing extremists  aren't turning out to be the government that they voted for.

Edited August 20 by sungod