Politics

Almost 80 per cent of British people think that the Gibraltarians should have the right to decide about the future of Gibraltar say the findings of a MORI poll taken last weekend (15-17 March).

The Police have been much in the news this week, with the rank-and-file demonstrating in London against the Home Secretary's reform plans, and more senior officers publicly debating whether the low clear-up and conviction rate for crimes is the fault of the Police or of the criminal justice system.

Earlier this week a veteran Labour MEP expressed his disillusionment with the party by defecting to the Conservatives. Yet, despite clear signs of growing dissatisfaction with the government, the public remain steadfastly reluctant to do the same.

Q I am going to read out a list of problems facing Britain today. I would like you to tell me whether you think the Conservative party, the Labour party or the Liberal Democrats has the best policies on each problem.

Political Attitudes in Great Britain, including the Best Party on Key Issues questions

Two recent issues of public concern over healthcare, though very different in their details, demonstrate some common threads in the way public opinion on such issues arises and the importance of good communications in averting such potential crises.

In the current edition of the Spectator, Stephen Glover attacks MORI in particular and the opinion polls in general on the basis of their performance in last year's general election. His argument depends upon a number of inaccuracies and misunderstandings.

The National Health Service has regained poll position as the issue of most concern to most people in Britain, pushing the war into second place. Service delivery (lack thereof) by the Blair government is salient. Recently the media are talking about the Tories' resurgence. The runes I read do not look happy for the occupants of Nos. 10 & 11.

Political attitudes in Great Britain, including assessment of the government's record since 1997 and of the state of Britain's railways