Labour government's approval plummets to record low, new poll finds
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A new YouGov survey shows deep dissatisfaction with Labour, as immigration policies and debates over national symbols spark criticism across the UK.
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Labour Party leader Keir Starmer shakes hands with his supporters at the Tate Modern in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP)
A new YouGov poll released on Tuesday shows that public dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer's Labour Government has reached unprecedented levels, with 70% of respondents expressing disapproval.
Only 11% of people across the UK said they approved of the Labour Government, while 19% were unsure. The figures mark a five-point drop in net approval since the last YouGov survey conducted on August 24, bringing Labour’s net approval rating to -59%.
This disapproval rate is now worse than the Conservative Government’s rating just ahead of last year’s General Election, which stood at 56%.
In Scotland, dissatisfaction is even more pronounced. According to the survey, 72% of Scottish respondents disapproved of the UK Labour Government, while just 9% expressed approval and 19% said they didn’t know.
Summer recess builds up contempt
The poll comes as Parliament resumes following the summer recess, with the first Prime Minister's Questions since the break scheduled for Wednesday.
In the days since returning, Labour ministers have made several high-profile announcements on immigration. On Monday, the Home Secretary introduced a policy tightening restrictions on refugees seeking to reunite with family members in the UK.
Additionally, the Home Office confirmed on Tuesday that it has begun sending text messages to international students, warning them they could face removal from the UK if they overstay their visas.
Meanwhile, members of the Government have also entered a debate over national symbols. Keir Starmer stated that he hangs the English flag in his home and often sits in front of a Union Jack, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she owns decorations featuring both the Union and St George’s flags.
It is worth noting that the YouGov poll surveyed 1,770 adults across the UK on September 1, including 154 respondents from Scotland.
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