SUPPORT for prime minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party has risen by four percentage points following the announcement of tax cuts and financial support this week, the Times newspaper reported on Friday (24), citing polling by YouGov.
On Wednesday (22), chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced tax cuts for workers before an expected 2024 election and gave businesses permanent investment incentives in an attempt to speed up an economy that looks stuck in a rut.
The YouGov polling, carried out after the budget changes, showed support for the Conservatives had risen to 25 per cent compared to 21 per cent a week ago.
But the poll rise still leaves the Conservatives trailing the opposition Labour Party by 19 percentage points. Only 18 per cent of people said they thought the budget measures would make them and their families better off.
The poll showed an increase in the minimum wage and decisions to increase welfare and pensions in line with previous promises - rather than limit the rises as some had expected - were all popular with a majority of voters. A reduction in National Insurance tax was backed by 61 per cent of respondents.
(Reuters)
Sunak's tax cuts yield polling boost
A YouGov polling shows support for the Conservatives has risen to 25 per cent compared to 21 per cent a week ago
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)