Politics

The May Economist/Ipsos issues index shows that, with little change since last month, the economy remains the most important issue facing Britain, as it has been since September 2008.

A new Ipsos global survey finds the British and Spanish the most likely to believe in equal opportunities for men and women (94%).

In new research carried out by Ipsos and King's College London, just under half of Britons (45%) say it is very important to them who wins the election, matching figures normally seen at the very height of the election campaign itself in 2010 and 2005.

This month has seen Ipsos's Economic Optimism Index reach record levels, with 53% of Britons now expecting to see an improvement in the economy over the next 12 months.

Professor Roger Mortimore says past results suggest that the winners of this year's F.A. Cup Final may have a bearing on who wins the 2015 General Election.

Ipsos's Political Monitor for May shows a turnaround in British opinion on Europe, with more than half now in favour of staying in the European Union.

Ipsos's Economic Optimism Index is at its highest ever point in its 36-year history, according to May's Ipsos Political Monitor. More than half of Britons - 53% - think the UK economy will improve over the next 12 months.

Q Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, or what?

Tom Fife-Schaw and Matt Cavill examine MPs' thoughts on the options for rail franchises following a call for renationalisation from Labour candidates.