May 16, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Britain believe their next prime minister should take measures to deal with two topics, according to a poll by YouGov. 60 per cent of respondents think Tony Blair's successor should reduce immigration, and 49 per cent want him or her to withdraw British troops from Iraq as soon as is practicable.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Britain believe their next prime minister should take measures to deal with two topics, according to a poll by YouGov. 60 per cent of respondents think Tony Blair's successor should reduce immigration, and 49 per cent want him or her to withdraw British troops from Iraq as soon as is practicable.

Improving the management of the National Health Service (NHS) is next on the list with 37 per cent, followed by passing a law to make it easier to lock up, or deport, suspected terrorists with 30 per cent, increasing the state retirement pension with 22 per cent, and developing a foreign policy independent of the United States with 21 per cent.

Labour leader Blair has served as Britain's prime minister since May 1997, winning majority mandates in the 1997, 2001 and 2005 elections to the House of Commons. On May 10, Blair announced his retirement—effective Jun. 27—declaring, "Hand on heart, I did what I thought was right. I may have been wrong, but that's your call. But believe one thing if nothing else: I did what I thought was right for our country."

Britain committed troops to both the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and the U.S.-led coalition effort in Iraq. The conflict against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 3,675 soldiers have died during the military operation in Iraq, including 148 Britons.

On May 11, current chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown announced his bid for the Labour leadership. The new Labour leader will automatically become prime minister after Blair officially steps down.

On May 14, Brown discussed the situation in Iraq, saying, "Whatever the divisions have been it would be the wrong time now to just say: 'Send troops home now'. We're moving to a new stage in Iraq."

The next election to the House of Commons must be held on or before Jun. 3, 2010. Sitting prime ministers can dissolve Parliament and call an early ballot at their discretion. 51 per cent of respondents think Brown should call an immediate general election when he takes over from Blair.

Polling Data

Which three of these things would you most like Tony Blair's successor to do?
(Up to three allowed)

Reduce immigration	60%
Bring British troops home from Iraq as soon as is practicable	49%
Improve the management of the National Health Service	37%
Pass a law to make it easier to lock up, or deport, suspected terrorists	30%
Increase the state retirement pension, if necessary by increasing taxes	22%
Tell U.S. president George W. Bush that Britain's foreign policy will be more independent of the U.S.	21%
Build more prisons	16%
Take tougher action to help tackle climate change, by taxing motorists and air travel more, and using the money to cut fares on trains and buses	15%
Build more 'affordable homes' for key public sector workers, such as teachers and nurses	14%
Cut taxes, if necessary by spending less money on public services	10%
Reduce 'red tape' for British companies	8%
Don't know	2%

If Gordon Brown takes over from Tony Blair in the next few weeks, as expected, should he call an immediate general election?

Yes, he should call an immediate election	51%
No, he should wait	39%
Don't know	10%

Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,962 British adults, conducted on May 10 and May 11, 2007. No margin of error was provided.