An ICM poll for the BBC today is showing a increase in support for British military involvement in Afghanistan. There are still more people opposed than supportive of British involvement - 48% to 40%, but this is down from when ICM last asked in 2006 when the figures were 53% opposed and 31% in support.
I’m inclined to agree with ICM’s Nick Sparrow that Prince Harry’s deployment in Afghanistan may have boosted support, but that’s probably only a part of it. Coverage of Harry in Afghanistan was all positive, but then so is most of the mainstream news coverage of British action in Afghanistan - it is normally reported in the context of brave British soldiers fighting against the Taliban in Helmand, compare and contrast with the more mixed portrayal of British involvement in Iraq.
2 Responses
New poll rsults are stunning.
Sky are saying a NoW poll/ICM has put the Tories 9 points ahead.
Sunday Times You Gou Tories are 16 points ahead!
43 Con up 3
27 Labour down 6
17 Lib Dem n/c
ICM =C 40 up 3
March 15th, 2008 at 6:29 pmL 31 down 3
LD 20 down 1
The [comparative] lack of support for Her Majesty’s Forces in Afghanistan surprises me. This is a UN-mandated operation, and has the popular support of the majority in Afghanistan (as far as we can ascertain).
It is interesting that the poll follows yet another “Stop-the-War” farce. A diverse turnout, but coloured with a large number of people in religious dress.
Now our media may be biased, but of all the conflicts listed I could not find any mention of Dharfur. Maybe saving African lives is of little import to an Asian-centric faith?
As for the rise in support for our troops, Harry may be a factor. So too, may I add, might be Ross Kemp’s documentary. Best bit of TV in 2008 so far!
March 16th, 2008 at 7:22 am