PM Less Trusted Than Social Media For Advice On Covid

Boris Johnson is distrusted as a source of guidance on Covid by almost six out of 10 Britons (59 per cent) - more than people distrust information from social media - according to a new poll.

- Andrew Woodcock

Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) also said that they are less likely to follow Covid rules as a result of reports of Christmas parties at No 10 - including 37 per cent of the younger 18-34 age groups who are most likely to cram into pubs and clubs in the next few crucial weeks.

The Savanta survey for The Independent was published as the nation was told Mr Johnson would not be putting fresh curbs in place over the festive period. It found that many Britons are acting before being told to by the government.

One in 10 said they have already cancelled their plans for Christmas Day and a further quarter said they have scaled them back because of concerns about Omicron. It also showed significant levels of appetite for far tougher restrictions than the government has so far imposed.

Some 50 per cent of the 2,096 people questioned said they would back a two-week “circuit-breaker” lockdown of the type backed by prominent scientists, against just 26 per cent opposed. Opinion on a total stay-at-home lockdown of indefinite duration was split 38-38 per cent for and against.

And 65 per cent said they would support vaccine passports with no option to show evidence of a recent negative test - for entry to crowded venues. Some 70 per cent favour compulsory face-coverings in all indoor public spaces and 55 per cent mandatory working from home except for key workers.