Monday, 29 April 2002 |
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Half of Britons back Le Pen impact: poll LONDON, April 28 (AFP) - More than half of Britons believe their country's political system needs to experience the same shock as delivered by far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen in France's presidential elections, according to a poll published Sunday. A total 53 percent of respondents to the on-line Sunday Times/YouGov survey agreed that "the British political establishment needs the same kind of kick as Le Pen delivered in France". The poll of 2,307 adults was carried out ahead of local elections in Britain on Thursday in which the far-right British National Party is expected to make gains. Meanwhile, a total 66 percent of respondents said mainstream politicians do not do enough to address voter concerns about immigration and 67 percent said they would like to see tougher government policies adopted for asylum seekers. More than one fifth, 22 percent, said they would vote for a party committed to withdrawal from the European Union and far-reaching anti-immigration policies. Among supporters of Britain's main opposition Conservative party, 41 percent said they would back an anti-EU/immigration party. However, nine percent of respondents who vote for the ruling Labour party and 14 percent who back the Liberal Democrats, Britain's third party, said they too would support such policies. Le Pen will face incumbent Jacques Chirac in a May 5 vote run-off after finishing ahead of Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin in the first round last week. |
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