The UCU Norwich North poll
Today will see the writ moved for the by-election in Norwich North where Dr Ian Gibson has resigned. In advance of the poll on 23rd July, the Universities & Colleges Union have commissioned a poll that makes interesting reading.
The headlines are, with my comments underneath:
Half of people aged 18-34 (48% of people aged 18-24 years old and 49% of those aged 25-34) said they would be more likely to vote for a party committed to an increase in spending on education
In other news, the Pope has released a statement saying that he is indeed a Catholic and a bear has been seen coming out of the woods saying ‘do you mind?’1. People understand the value of education.
Nearly three-quarters of adults (73%) agreed that giving young people affordable access to local education and training would reduce crime and anti-social behavior
Gordon Brown’s announcement on education, training and work for young people – a carrot of availability for everyone and a stick of reducing benefits for not taking offers – picks up on that in two ways. It addresses the immediate concern but also assuages fears about young ‘uns hanging around with nothing to do.
Four-fifths 82% of adults in the Norwich North constituency agreed that every local person who met entry standards should be entitled to a free place at a local college or university
Fees were never popular.
One quarter (24%) percent of respondents said they trusted the Conservatives to invest most in education. One in five (20%) chose Labour, 10% opted for the Liberal Democrats, 4% for Green and 2% chose Ukip.
Which is worrying, to be honest. Education should be one of our strong suits.
If there was an election tomorrow 34% of people would vote for the Conservatives, 30% for Labour, 15% for the Liberal Democrats, 14% for the Green Party, and 7% for others.
A 4% lead can easily be overturned. The majority at the 2005 election was about 11%; that does mean we’ve lost a lot of support, but given the expenses scandal took down the previous incumbent, Ian Gibson, it is perhaps not all that bad for Labour.
xD.
1 – Shamelessly nicked from Mitch Benn of The Now Show.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Nearly three-quarters of adults (73%) agreed that giving young people affordable access to local education and training would reduce crime and anti-social behavior
I think that should read local ‘proper’ education, as distinct from what passes for it at this moment.
.-= jameshigham´s last blog ..[airbus] yet another down =-.