Issues Index July 2009
As has been the case since September 2008, the economy is the most important issue facing the country today according to the public. Over half (55%) place it amongst the most important issues, a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue last month (54%). Indeed, the economy shows no sign of being knocked off the top spot - the second highest issue (race relations/immigration) is cited as an important issue by only half as many respondents (27%).
Economy still dominates, but concern about war and defence doubles
As has been the case since September 2008, the Economy is the most important issue facing the country today, according to the public. Over half (55%) place it amongst the most important issues, a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue last month (54%). Indeed, the economy shows no sign of being knocked off the top spot - the second highest issue (Race relations/immigration) is cited as an important issue by half as many respondents (27%).Like last month, a quarter (25%) are concerned about unemployment. We are currently seeing the highest level of concern about this issue since before the turn of the millenium (June 1999) and it will be interesting to see how job losses, and the way that they are reported, impact on the British public's consciousness of this issue.A similar percentage (24%) are concerned about Crime/law and Order, though this is a drop of four percentage points since last month, and the lowest score for this issue since after the London terrorist attacks (August 2005).A fifth (20%) of the public are concerned about Defence and foreign affairs. This is an increase of ten percentage points since July, as the monthly death toll of British forces in Afghanistan reaches 19. Indeed, concern about this issue had been waning over the last year, but the recent sad news from Helmand province seems to have pushed this issue up the agenda once more. Please also see our Afghanistan poll for more of the public's views on this issue.
Technical note
Ipsos's Issues Index is conducted monthly and provides an overview of the key issues concerning the country. Ipsos interviewed a representative quota sample of 1007 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted face-to-face between 16th - 21st July 2009. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.
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