Polling reveals public discontent with Labour’s focus on regulation
More than half of voters believe that the Labour government is prioritising issues such as regulating lifestyle choices over addressing the cost-of-living crisis, according to new polling data. Over 50 per cent of respondents indicated that ministers are more concerned with banning tobacco, taxing alcohol, and regulating advertisements than providing support to struggling households, reports BritPanorama.
The survey, conducted by Merlin Strategy for the Adam Smith Institute, also shows that many feel life under Labour has become less enjoyable. A significant 56 per cent of those surveyed stated the government has contributed to making daily life more miserable. This sentiment spans across party lines, with 76 per cent of Conservative supporters and 36 per cent of Labour voters echoing these concerns.
In response to the findings, Tory MP Jack Rankin commented, “This polling reflects something everyone knows but this Labour Government – our lives are being made more miserable through high taxes, more regulations, and woke politics.” The poll further revealed that 37 per cent of respondents perceive the government as overly focused on trans issues, while 22 per cent believe time is wasted on foreign affairs.
Only 3 per cent of participants think Labour is not doing enough regarding its “nanny-state” policies. The survey emerges as the government opens consultations on banning vaping and heated tobacco in public spaces. Additionally, an overwhelming 97 per cent of voters believe the planned generational smoking ban – which aims to prevent anyone born after 2009 from purchasing cigarettes – should not be a priority, with 19 per cent asserting it should receive the least attention. Overall, 57 per cent of voters think this focus is detracting from addressing the pressing cost-of-living crisis.
This polling underscores a growing disconnect between governmental policy priorities and public concerns, suggesting that the Labour government may need to recalibrate its focus to align more closely with voter expectations.
