The vast majority of Muslims living in Britain feel strongly that they belong to Britain, feel part of British society and believe that Muslims make a valuable contribution to British society, according to new research conducted by MORI for The Sun. The poll, conducted on 21-22 July, examined Muslims' attitudes to being British and their reactions to the recent bombings in London. By a margin of two to one, Muslims approve of the way Tony Blair is handling the response to the 7th July terrorist attacks (46% approve 24% disapprove), but a majority believe that "the war in Iraq is the main reason why London was bombed" (53%). In contrast, just 14% say that "the war in Iraq had nothing to do with why London was bombed".
One in two Scots do not feel that reporting of asylum issues by newspapers is fair and accurate, according to new research from MORI. The research, commissioned by Oxfam Scotland, reveals that 51% of Scottish adults disagree that most reporting of asylum issues by newspapers is fair and accurate, compared with 27% of Scots who agree that it is.
The majority of British people think that Space should be a neutral place with no military uses and believe the US is more interested in the military potential of space than putting a person on Mars, according to new research conducted by MORI. It also shows support for the missions such as Beagle 2 and finding life on other planets.
Immigration/asylum is now the third most important issue facing Britain today, ahead of defence, crime/law and order and the economy. Only the NHS and education are seen as more pressing.
Two thirds (66%) of British people say that when contacting a company by telephone, they don't mind where in the world their call is answered as long as it is handled quickly and professionally. The research, by MORI for the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, shows a quarter (26%) of British people notice when contacting an organisation by phone if the call seems to be answered by someone who is abroad.
Young people's views of asylum seekers and refugees are largely negative according to new research from MORI's Social Research Institute. Almost six in 10 (58%) 15-24 year olds disagree that 'asylum seekers and refugees make a positive contribution to life in this country', and just two in 10 agree (20%). Almost half (48%) feel that 'Few asylum seekers in the UK are genuine', and one-third disagree (33%).
France is considered Britain's least reliable ally by more than half of British people, according to the 'State of Britain Survey 2003' — published today by the MORI Social Research Institute on behalf of the Financial Times.
