Labour down two points in poll
Labour’s lead over the Conservatives shortened in January, according to a newspaper poll.
The ICM survey for The Guardian puts Labour on 38 per cent, down two points on last month, though the drop is not accountable to an improvement by the Conservatives, who remain unchanged on 31 per cent.
The Liberal Democrats are unmoved on 21 per cent with other parties making up the difference, up two points at nine per cent.
Although Tony Blair’s personal approval rating remains in negative territory at minus 12 points, it is an improvement on polls last year that rated the premier at minus 20-24 points.
Half of respondents said they were unhappy with the performance of the Prime Minister, compared to 28 per cent who were.
The poll also found support for the 2003 US-led Iraq war had dropped five points to 38 per cent since the same question was asked last October.
Pollsters said the drop off was partly due to the publication of photographs of British soldiers abusing prisoners, which Mr Blair publicly apologised for.
The poll also found unanticipated support for the Government’s proposals to outlaw incitement to religious hatred, with 57 per cent in favour of the view that the new offence was “needed to stop those who want to stir up hatred against people of particular religious faiths”.
Over a third (36 per cent) said “people should be allowed to express their opinions freely, however hateful”.
ICM asked 1,000 people aged over 18 by telephone between January 21 and 23.
Should the poll reflect outcomes at the next election, Labour could win a 140 majority in the Commons.
