Whilst most Brits think more terror attacks are on the way, they also believe that the government is handling the situation effectively
Following Wednesday’s atrocity in London, YouGov finds that the overwhelming majority of Brits believe further terror attacks are likely.
The survey – conducted after the strike in Westminster – finds that nine in ten (Brits 90%) now say they believe further terror attacks against Britain are likely. This is up from 84% last summer and 78% in the September 2014.
Brits continue to believe the threat from terrorism is getting worse, with almost three quarters (73%) thinking it has increased in the past five years. This is largely unchanged from the last time this question was asked in July 2016, although it is far removed from 2010 when just a quarter (25%) felt this way.
However, the vast majority of Britons don’t believe terror attacks are likely to affect them personally. Only one in nine (12%) think there is a chance that a good friend or family member will be harmed in a terror attack. While this level has increased since 2010 (when it was 7%) the figure is highest in London (where it is 18%).
Confidence in the government’s ability to keep the country safe is high. In the aftermath of Wednesday’s attack, almost two thirds of Brits (65%) believe the government is dealing very or fairly effectively with the threat of extremism and terrorism. Again, Londoners take a slightly different view, with 57% believing the government is handling the threat effectively.
Interestingly, despite being the age group least likely to think the terror threat has increased and expect further attacks, younger Britons are less likely to say that the government is not handling the threat effectively (57% of 18-24 year olds and 58% of 25-49 year olds, compared to 80% of 65+ year olds).
Photo: PA
