Denmark's vote in a referendum not to join the European Single Currency should be a reminder to Tony Blair and his colleagues, if one were needed, of the scale of the task facing them in winning a future referendum to secure British participation in the Euro. When Prime Minister Rasmussen called the referendum he was well ahead in the opinion polls, and, anyway, all the major Danish political parties were in favour. Much of the Danish media was broadly sympathetic. Danish businesses almost unanimously thought it was a good idea. The polls indicated that on occasions over the past few months the "Yes" campaign was well ahead in public support, though the public also swung in the other direction on occasions as well. Yet Denmark said "Nej".
Most British families face a sharp reduction in their standard of living if they are affected by serious illness or death, according to new research1 published today by Scottish Provident, the leading health and life insurance specialist.
Pulse Check
Pulse Check delivers key insights from Ipsos' Political Monitor, Political Pulse, and Public Services data, along with reactive polling, to help you navigate the evolving political landscape.
QV1 How would you vote if there were a General Election tomorrow?
(If undecided or refused at Q1)
QV2 Which party are you most inclined to support?
Base: 1,011
Britain's older voters have the potential to make a decisive impact on the next general election. Those aged over 64 are potentially four times as powerful a group as younger voters (aged 18-24) - they are twice as likely to vote, and there are twice as many of them. Their priorities are distinct from those of younger electors, and how each party addresses their concerns may play a central role in the next general election.
Public Opinion is like an 800lb gorilla. It sleeps a lot and much of the rest of the time sits happily chewing on leaves. However, if you poke it with a stick, it gets angry. Public Opinion is pretty irritated at the moment.
