UK military problems & policies

[davidbfpo]

From a November 2012 post: A recent piece of research, based on opinion polling:

The research found that nine out of ten people respected the UK Armed Forces and eight out of ten had a high or very high opinion of the Services. The UK Armed Forces was also more respected as a profession than doctors, lawyers or the police. It seems that support for the UK Armed Forces is significantly higher among men, older people, those with lower educational qualifications and people who align with parties on the political right, as found in overseas studies.

The study also showed that 58% of the UK public were opposed to Iraq and 46% disapproved of operations in Afghanistan, with women, older people and people supporting minor political parties significantly more opposed to the missions. Despite this, more than 90% supported military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, regardless of their agreement or disagreement with these missions.

The British public's stance reflects several factors, which includes an element of war weariness - even if the military is shrinking - over two failed wars and the apparent wish of this government to be ready to intervene again. The grim Syrian civil war has strengthened this; in marked contrast to the Bosnian conflict where public opinion favoured intervention before the politicians.

Then there is the 'trust & confidence' the public have in politicians which has shrunk steadily in the last decade, if not longer.

Do you trust your local MP? In 2003 44%; in 2012 37%.
Do you trust national politicians? In 2003 27%; in 2012 19%.

Adapted from:http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_upload...s_Nov_2012.pdf