Thread by @sundersays

For work-reasons, am doing a short weekly overview of public attitudes during this crisis. Thought I'd share the gist of it here too. Would welcome your thoughts and theories on what is going on - and particularly illuminating nuggets from the many polls, trackers & studies.

Headlines last week much as before (as of Friday)
1. Broad public approval of UK govt handling*
2. V.broad support for lockdown (pro-extension:91-5)
3. Rather more support for 'tighten' than 'loosen'.
4. Broad public commitment to following rules.

(* a dip in 1 survey this AM)

Personal impacts:
high anxiety & high support for others
· 49% feel more anxious/depressed than normal
· 60% say have offered help to other people; 47% say they have received help
· 83% of over 70s report being offered help (ONS).

60% say they have 'always' followed the rules;
27% self-report following rules ‘almost always’ (!)

7% say they ‘mostly’ do (? given these choices)
5% self-report following the rules half the time/less (including 1% who say they aren't trying to do so.

Life under lockdown from @policyatkings illuminating on experience & expectations re lockdown.

On average, people think lockdown will become 'very difficult' for them in six weeks. (15% say already)

Under-24s more likely to say already/in a month (42%)

kcl.ac.uk/news/life-unde…

Yet 41% thought current restrictions may be in place for six months or more
· 51% a year or more for life to return to normal
· 42% think over a year before economy grows.
· 67% think restrictions are likely to be reimposed once lifted; only 15% say this 'unlikely'

UK expectations of sustained impacts are strikingly distinct in comparative context, in this 4 country study by Kekst. UK (blue) with US, Germany, Sweden.

The UK a comparative outlier in several ways "People in UK more likely to have gained confidence in their government, key institutions, and businesses in recent weeks than people in the US, Germany, or Sweden” in the @KekstCNC study.

kekstcnc.com/media/2568/kek… (PDF)

UK respondents most adamant that saving lives must come above protecting the economy – by a margin of 74% to 13% (Germany, Sweden, US closer to 60-30)

High public concern about both family health and about national economy (above personal health, and personal finances).

Rising trust in government high in Germany.
Perception rising trust in health services in UK is biggest shift anywhere (and sense it is rising starts from a v.high base: 'NHS even more valued than before'). People say their trust in media - as a generic category - is falling.

This Opinium survey illuminated various aspects of trust. It finds the 5G conspiracy (7% v 84%) polls no more broadly than earth is flat or Elvis lived. (And a lot worse than moon landing was faked). Some in most committed 1% seem violent, active & violent
opinium.co.uk/public-opinion…

(I meant to say vocal, active and violent). It has a slower turnaround, this ONS tracker should be useful over time in identifying trends.

Half of us feel more of a sense of belonging with our neighbours. (Distribution of this will be interesting)

ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulati…

* NB: attitudes can shift quickly in unusual & volatile times.
* I plan to do another overview on Friday & will share it on twitter at the weekend.
* Please do share useful nuggets & insights
* Interested to hear theories about current attitudes & future prospects

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