Friday 23 July 1982
Note: the Falklands War lasted from 2 April 1982, when the Argentine Navy with thousands of troops landed on the Falklands, until 14 June 1982 when the large Argentine garrison in Port Stanley was defeated, effectively ending the conflict.
Key trends from more than one survey
(Note that trends for questions which occurred only on one or more waves of the panel survey, but not in any other survey, are given in full in the panel section)
Q. How would you vote if there were a general election tomorrow?
Q (If undecided/refused) Which party are you most inclined to support?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
16 May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Conservative |
33 |
36 |
39 |
38 |
48 |
51 |
51 |
| Labour |
34 |
30 |
32 |
32 |
33 |
25 |
24 |
| Liberal / SDP Alliance (combined) |
30 |
31 |
27 |
28 |
17 |
23 |
23 |
| Other |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
| |
| Excludes: |
| Would not vote |
6 |
4 |
4 |
n/a |
4 |
n/a |
3 |
| Undecided |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n/a |
6 |
n/a |
5 |
| Refused |
5 |
5 |
n/a |
n/a |
2 |
n/a |
* |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government are now handling the situation in the Falkland Islands?*
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
30 Apr 1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
16 May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Satisfied |
60 |
68 |
76 |
70 |
71 |
69 |
84 |
84 |
| Dissatisfied |
30 |
24 |
20 |
23 |
25 |
25 |
14 |
13 |
| Don't know |
10 |
8 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
* "… the way the Government handled…" on 21-23 June
Q. Do you think in their handling of the situation in the Falklands the government has been too willing to use military force, not willing enough or has it been about right?
| |
30 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Too willing |
18 |
25 |
16 |
| Not willing enough |
16 |
7 |
12 |
| About right |
62 |
64 |
70 |
| Don't know |
4 |
4 |
2 |
Falklands Panel: Technical details
Panel 1 (Baseline Survey): MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,018 adults aged 18+ on 14 April 1982. Interviews were conducted face-to-face at 53 constituency sampling points across Great Britain. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population. The survey was conducted for The Economist. (This was just under a fortnight after the Argentinian invasion of the Falklands on 2 April, and during General Haig's attempts to mediate a peaceful solution.)
Panel 2: MORI re-interviewed 463 of the original 1,018 respondents from the baseline survey on 20-21 April 1982. Interviews were conducted by telephone. Data were weighted to match the profile of the original sample. The survey was conducted for The Economist.
Panel 3: MORI re-interviewed 447 of the original 1,018 respondents from the baseline survey on 23-24 April 1982. Interviews were conducted by telephone. Data were weighted to match the profile of the original sample. The survey was conducted for BBC Panorama.
Panel 4: MORI re-interviewed 526 of the original 1,018 respondents from the baseline survey on 3-5 May 1982. Interviews were conducted by telephone (413) and face-to-face (113). Data were weighted to match the profile of the original sample. The survey was conducted for The Economist. (This was after the sinking of the General Belgrano; most interviews were conducted before the sinking of HMS Sheffield.)
Panel 5: MORI re-interviewed 400 of the original 1,018 respondents from the baseline survey on 25-26 May 1982. Interviews were conducted by telephone. Data were weighted to match the profile of the original sample. The survey was conducted for The Economist.
Panel 6: MORI re-interviewed 401 of the original 1,018 respondents from the baseline survey on 21-23 June 1982. Interviews were conducted by telephone (319) and face-to-face (82). Data were weighted to match the profile of the original sample. The survey was conducted for The Economist. (This was a week after Argentina's surrender.)
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government is running the country?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
34 |
| Dissatisfied |
58 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way Mrs Thatcher is doing her job as Prime Minister?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
40 |
| Dissatisfied |
54 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. How would you vote if there were a general election tomorrow?
Q (If undecided/refused) Which party are you most inclined to support?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Conservative |
33 |
36 |
39 |
38 |
51 |
51 |
| Labour |
34 |
30 |
32 |
32 |
25 |
24 |
| Liberal / SDP Alliance (combined) |
30 |
31 |
27 |
28 |
23 |
23 |
| Other |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
| |
| Excludes: |
| Would not vote |
6 |
4 |
4 |
n/a |
n/a |
3 |
| Undecided |
4 |
5 |
6 |
n/a |
n/a |
5 |
| Refused |
5 |
5 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
* |
Q. What would you say is the most important issue facing Britain today?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
| Falklands situation |
39 |
61 |
| Unemployment |
39 |
25 |
| Prices / inflation |
8 |
3 |
| Defence / Foreign Affairs |
2 |
|
| Law & order / riots |
2 |
|
| Trade unions / strikes |
2 |
|
| (Others below 1% omitted) |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government are now handling the situation in the Falkland Islands?*
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Satisfied |
60 |
68 |
76 |
71 |
84 |
84 |
| Dissatisfied |
30 |
24 |
20 |
25 |
14 |
13 |
| Don't know |
10 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
* "… the way the Government handled…" on 21-23 June
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Labour Party is responding to the Government's handling of the situation in the Falkland Islands?*
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Satisfied |
40 |
26 |
37 |
34 |
| Dissatisfied |
39 |
62 |
53 |
56 |
| Don't know |
21 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
* "… the way the Labour Party responded…" on 21-23 June
Q. Do you think the Government should call a General Election now or not?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
21-23
June
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
29 |
16 |
16 |
| No |
68 |
78 |
80 |
| Don't know |
3 |
6 |
4 |
Q. Do you think Mrs Thatcher should resign as Prime Minister over the situation in the Falkland Islands or not?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
| Yes |
34 |
27 |
| No |
62 |
67 |
| Don't know |
4 |
6 |
Q. Do you think the Defence Secretary, John Nott, should resign?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
43 |
| No |
44 |
| Don't know |
13 |
Q. Do you think Lord Carrington should have resigned as Foreign Secretary?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
48 |
| No |
45 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Sever diplomatic relations with Argentina
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
71 |
| No |
22 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Ban Argentinian imports into Great Britain
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
84 |
| No |
12 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Freeze Argentinian assets in British banks
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
82 |
| No |
11 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Intern Argentinian citizens residing in Great Britain
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
24 |
| No |
68 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Sent the naval taskforce to the Falkland Islands
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
83 |
85 |
85 |
| No |
13 |
10 |
10 |
| Don't know |
3 |
5 |
5 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Imposed the 200-mile naval blockade of the Falklands
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
80 |
| No |
14 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Allow the UN to take over administration of the Falkland Islands
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
45 |
42 |
40 |
49 |
| No |
42 |
46 |
50 |
41 |
| Don't know |
13 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Evacuated all British subjects from the Falklands
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
49 |
| No |
41 |
| Don't know |
10 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Sink Argentinian ships in Falkland waters
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
52 |
55 |
58 |
79 |
| No |
39 |
35 |
35 |
18 |
| Don't know |
9 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Land troops on the Falklands
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
67 |
65 |
65 |
72 |
89 |
| No |
24 |
25 |
26 |
22 |
10 |
| Don't know |
9 |
10 |
9 |
6 |
1 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Bomb Argentinian military and naval bases
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
28 |
34 |
33 |
38 |
| No |
63 |
57 |
58 |
57 |
| Don't know |
9 |
9 |
9 |
5 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Use nuclear weapons against Argentina
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
5 |
| No |
93 |
| Don't know |
2 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Land troops/invade the Argentinian mainland
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes |
21 |
| No |
73 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. Should Britain take / have taken the following measures over the Falklands Islands situation?
Use military force to regain British sovereignty in the Falklands in spite of American pressure
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes |
68 |
66 |
69 |
| No |
24 |
26 |
24 |
| Don't know |
8 |
8 |
6 |
Q. During the Falkland Islands situation has your opinion of … gone up, gone down or stayed the same?
| |
14 Apr 1982 |
| |
Gone up |
Gone down |
Stayed the same |
Don't know |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Mrs Thatcher, the Prime Minister |
12 |
27 |
59 |
1 |
| Lord Carrington, former Foreign Secretary |
10 |
34 |
47 |
8 |
| Francis Pym, current Foreign Secretary |
16 |
11 |
45 |
28 |
| John Nott, Defence Secretary |
6 |
37 |
43 |
14 |
| Michael Foot, Opposition Leader |
9 |
24 |
60 |
7 |
| Denis Healey, Shadow Foreign Secretary |
8 |
16 |
67 |
9 |
| Tony Benn, Labour MP |
6 |
34 |
51 |
8 |
| David Owen, SDP Foreign Affairs Spokesman |
16 |
11 |
60 |
13 |
| Ronald Reagan, President of the USA |
8 |
28 |
55 |
9 |
Q. During the Falkland Islands situation has your opinion of … gone up, gone down or stayed the same?
| |
20-21 Apr 1982 |
| |
Gone up |
Gone down |
Stayed the same |
Don't know |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Mrs Thatcher |
15 |
14 |
69 |
2 |
| Francis Pym, current Foreign Secretary |
14 |
8 |
57 |
21 |
| Alexander Haig, American Secretary of State |
31 |
15 |
43 |
11 |
Q. During the Falkland Islands situation has your opinion of … gone up, gone down or stayed the same?
| |
23-24 Apr 1982 |
| |
Gone up |
Gone down |
Stayed the same |
Don't know |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Mrs Thatcher |
20 |
15 |
64 |
1 |
| Francis Pym, current Foreign Secretary |
22 |
8 |
56 |
15 |
| Alexander Haig, American Secretary of State |
26 |
17 |
49 |
8 |
Q. During the Falkland Islands situation has your opinion of … gone up, gone down or stayed the same?
| |
21-23 June 1982 |
| |
Gone up |
Gone down |
Stayed the same |
Don't know |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Mrs Thatcher, the Prime Minister |
45 |
7 |
48 |
* |
| Francis Pym, current Foreign Secretary |
27 |
6 |
61 |
6 |
| John Nott, Defence Secretary |
22 |
13 |
60 |
4 |
| Michael Foot, Opposition Leader |
4 |
47 |
45 |
3 |
| Denis Healey, Shadow Foreign Secretary |
10 |
16 |
67 |
7 |
| Tony Benn, Labour MP |
6 |
56 |
34 |
4 |
| David Owen, SDP Foreign Affairs Spokesman |
22 |
8 |
60 |
10 |
| Ronald Reagan, President of the USA |
11 |
34 |
52 |
3 |
| Roy Jenkins, SDP MP |
2 |
13 |
76 |
9 |
Q (Apr / May) Do you favour or oppose the proposal that the Falkland Islands should become Argentinian territory, but leased back to the British government for administration?
Q (Jun) Which of these options do you think are acceptable as a long term settlement to the Falklands situation, and which are not acceptable? The Falklands should become Argentinian sovereign territory, but leased back to the British government for administration.
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Favour / Acceptable |
26 |
23 |
11 |
| Oppose / Unacceptable |
63 |
64 |
86 |
| Don't know |
11 |
13 |
3 |
Q. Which of these options do you think are acceptable as a long term settlement to the Falklands situation, and which are not acceptable? The UN should take over trusteeship of the islands.
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
39 |
| Unacceptable |
53 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. Which of these options do you think are acceptable as a long term settlement to the Falklands situation, and which are not acceptable? British sovereignty of the Falklands should be retained, backed up by British military and naval presence.
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
77 |
| Unacceptable |
18 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. Which of these options do you think are acceptable as a long term settlement to the Falklands situation, and which are not acceptable? The Falkland Islands should become an independent state, protected by Britain.
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
67 |
| Unacceptable |
29 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. Do you think that retaining British sovereignty over the Falklands is important enough to justify the loss of Falkland Islanders' lives as a result of British military action?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes, important enough |
36 |
38 |
46 |
45 |
| No, not important enough |
55 |
50 |
46 |
48 |
| Don't know |
9 |
12 |
8 |
7 |
Q. Do you think that retaining British sovereignty over the Falklands is important enough to justify the loss of British service men's lives?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes, important enough |
44 |
51 |
58 |
53 |
62 |
| No, not important enough |
49 |
42 |
37 |
43 |
34 |
| Don't know |
7 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Q. Do you think that retaining British sovereignty over the Falklands, if they are regained, is important enough to pay increased taxes to maintain military and naval forces to protect them?*
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Yes, important enough |
58 |
59 |
71 |
| No, not important enough |
36 |
34 |
24 |
| Don't know |
6 |
7 |
5 |
* Q on 21-23 June omitted "if they are regained"
Q. How much do you personally care whether Britain regains sovereignty over the Falkland Islands or not?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| Care very much |
51 |
54 |
51 |
54 |
| Care a little |
32 |
31 |
32 |
28 |
| Don't care at all |
14 |
12 |
13 |
n/a |
| Don't know |
3 |
4 |
3 |
n/a |
Q. Which of these outcomes do you think is most likely?
| |
14 Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Argentina will take her troops out of the Falklands and Britain's sovereignty will be returned without a fight |
20 |
| Argentina will agree to lease the Falklands to Britain without force being used by Britain |
16 |
| No diplomatic solution will be found in time, and Britain will have to fight a naval battle in the Falklands to regain its sovereignty |
25 |
| British troops will be forced to land on the Falkland Islands to reclaim the Falklands |
25 |
| Britain will be forced to back down and never regain the Falkland Islands |
6 |
| Other |
2 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. As you know, there have now been proposals made for settling the Falklands Island situation. Would you favour or oppose a joint Argentinian-British civil administration over the Falklands with America as overseers and islanders involved?
| |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Favour |
39 |
| Oppose |
49 |
| Don't know |
12 |
Q. Would you favour or oppose: Both the Argentinian and British flags to fly over the Falklands?
| |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Favour |
32 |
| Oppose |
54 |
| Don't know |
13 |
Q. Would you favour or oppose: The Falkland Islanders themselves to have the final say over the issue of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands?
| |
20-21
Apr
1982 |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
| Favour |
77 |
72 |
| Oppose |
15 |
24 |
| Don't know |
8 |
4 |
Q. Do you think Falkland Islanders should be permitted to sell their farms to Argentinians, or not?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes, should be allowed |
33 |
| No, should not be allowed |
58 |
| Don't know |
9 |
Q. I'm going to read out some statements people have made about the Falklands situation, and would like to ask you whether you agree or disagree with each. "Britain should go to war with Argentina to re-establish sole administration over the Falkland Islands, even if this involves considerable loss of life on both sides"
| |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree |
50 |
| Disagree |
46 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q. I'm going to read out some statements people have made about the Falklands situation, and would like to ask you whether you agree or disagree with each. "Britain should go to war with Argentina in order to ensure that the Union Jack is the only flag flying on the Falklands, even if this involves considerable loss of life on both sides"
| |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree |
46 |
| Disagree |
49 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q. I'm going to read out some statements people have made about the Falklands situation, and would like to ask you whether you agree or disagree with each. "An agreement between Britain and Argentina must include the Falkland Islanders right to have the final say"
| |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree |
83 |
| Disagree |
15 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. I'm going to read out some statements people have made about the Falklands situation, and would like to ask you whether you agree or disagree with each. "Britain should be prepared to fire the first shot, even if diplomatic talks are still taking place"
| |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree |
43 |
| Disagree |
51 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. I'm going to read out some statements people have made about the Falklands situation, and would like to ask you whether you agree or disagree with each. "It is wrong to go to war now, if the government is willing to give up the Falkland Islands in the long term"
| |
23-24
Apr
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree |
57 |
| Disagree |
35 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. Should Britain have bombed the Port Stanley airport on the Falkland Islands, or not?
| |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Should |
81 |
| Should not |
14 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. Should Britain have sunk the Argentinian cruiser with about 1,000 men on board outside the 200-mile zone or not?
| |
3-5
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Should |
46 |
| Should not |
44 |
| Don't know |
10 |
Q. Do you think in their handling of the situation in the Falklands the government has been too willing to use military force, not willing enough or has it been about right?
| |
3-5
May
1982 |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
% |
| Too willing |
25 |
16 |
| Not willing enough |
7 |
12 |
| About right |
64 |
70 |
| Don't know |
4 |
2 |
Q. On balance, do you think world opinion of Britain has gone up, gone down or remained unchanged during the Falklands dispute?
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Gone up |
38 |
| Gone down |
19 |
| Remained unchanged |
34 |
| Don't know |
9 |
Q. Do you think the United Nations has done enough to help solve the dispute over the Falklands, or not?
Q. And have the United States of America done enough to help solve the dispute, or not?
Q. And the members of the Common Market?
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
UN |
USA |
EEC |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| Done enough |
32 |
50 |
50 |
| Not done enough |
62 |
47 |
42 |
| Don't know |
6 |
3 |
8 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable as a long-term settlement, and which are not acceptable? The Falklands should become Argentinian sovereign territory but leased back to the British government for administration.
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
21 |
| Not acceptable |
74 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable as a long-term settlement, and which are not acceptable? The United Nations should take over trusteeship of the islands
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
51 |
| Not acceptable |
43 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable as a long-term settlement, and which are not acceptable? British sovereignty of the Falklands should be retained, backed up by British military and naval presence
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
70 |
| Not acceptable |
27 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. Which of the following do you feel has given you the best overall coverage of the Falklands dispute?
| |
25-26
May
1982 |
| |
% |
| Television |
65 |
| Radio |
11 |
| Newspapers |
15 |
| Don't know |
9 |
Q. Two hundred and fifty British servicemen have lost their lives recapturing the Falklands, and the operation is estimated to have cost one billion pounds. Given the cost in lives and money, do you think Britain should have sent the task force or not?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Should |
76 |
| Should not |
22 |
| Don't know |
2 |
Q. On balance, do you agree or disagree that it was wrong to go to war if the Government is willing to give up the Falkland Islands in the long term?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Agree, was wrong |
56 |
| Disagree, was not wrong |
41 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. How satisfied are you with the support the United States has given Britain during the Falklands dispute?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Very satisfied |
9 |
| Fairly satisfied |
54 |
| Not very satisfied |
25 |
| Not at all satisfied |
10 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. British reporters with the Task Force had their reports censored by the Ministry of Defence before publication was allowed. Do you think that the Ministry of Defence should do this, or do you think that responsibility should lie with individual news editors?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Ministry of Defence should censor |
65 |
| Responsibility with individual editors |
28 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. As you may know, Britain is a member of NATO. This means that it shares a defence policy with America and its Western Allies. Would you support or oppose a reduction in Britain's commitment of men and money to NATO in order to finance the defence of the Falklands?
| |
21-23
Jun
1982 |
| |
% |
| Yes, would support |
46 |
| No, would oppose |
37 |
| Don't know |
17 |
Daily Star Survey: MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 600 adults aged 18+ on 26 April 1982. Interviews were conducted face-to-face at 100 constituency sampling points across Great Britain. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population. The survey was conducted for the Daily Star. (This was immediately after British troops recaptured South Georgia).
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the reaction of the government to the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
70 |
| Dissatisfied |
23 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Was the government right to resort to military force to regain the Falkland Islands, or not?
| |
% |
| Yes |
80 |
| No |
15 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. Should British armed forces attempt to restore British sovereignty by invading the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| Yes |
78 |
| No |
17 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Sunday Times Survey: MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,178 adults aged 18+ on 30 April 1982. Interviews were conducted face-to-face at 53 constituency sampling points across Great Britain. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population. The survey was conducted for the Sunday Times. (This was shortly before hostilities began in the waters round the Falklands.)
Q. How would you vote if there were a general election tomorrow?
Q (If undecided/refused) Which party are you most inclined to support?
| |
30 Apr 1982 |
| |
% |
| Conservative |
43 |
| Labour |
30 |
| Liberal / SDP Alliance (combined) |
25 |
| Other |
2 |
| |
| Excludes: |
| Would not vote |
6 |
| Undecided/Refused |
7 |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government are now handling the situation in the Falkland Islands?
| |
30 Apr 1982 |
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
70 |
| Dissatisfied |
23 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Do you think in their handling of the situation in the Falklands the government has been too willing to use military force, not willing enough or has it been about right?
| |
% |
| Too willing |
18 |
| Not willing enough |
16 |
| About right |
62 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q. Which should determine the British government's long term policy on the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| The wishes of the Falkland Islanders alone |
24 |
| The interests of Britain as a whole, taking the Falkland Islanders' views into account |
72 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q. How many British servicemen's lives, if any, would you be prepared to lose to regain the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| None |
60 |
| Less than ten |
6 |
| More than ten but less than one hundred |
8 |
| More than one hundred but less than one thousand |
6 |
| More than one thousand |
8 |
| Don't know |
12 |
Q. How many Falkland Islanders' lives, if any, would you be prepared to lose to regain the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| None |
66 |
| Less than ten |
6 |
| More than ten but less than one hundred |
7 |
| More than one hundred but less than one thousand |
3 |
| More than one thousand |
5 |
| Don't know |
13 |
Panorama Survey 1: MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,036 adults aged 18+ on 16 May 1982. Interviews were conducted face-to-face at 52 constituency sampling points across Great Britain. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population. The survey was conducted for BBC Panorama.
Q. How would you vote if there were a general election tomorrow?
Q (If undecided/refused) Which party are you most inclined to support?
| |
% |
| Conservative |
48 |
| Labour |
33 |
| Liberal / SDP Alliance (combined) |
17 |
| Other |
2 |
| |
| Excludes: |
| Would not vote |
4 |
| Undecided |
6 |
| Undecided |
2 |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government are now handling the situation in the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
69 |
| Dissatisfied |
25 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? Argentine troops to withdraw immediately from the Falkland Islands
| |
% |
| Essential |
90 |
| Not essential |
7 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? The Argentine flag to be removed from the Falklands during negotiations
| |
% |
| Essential |
69 |
| Not essential |
26 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? Full British administration of the Islands to be restored immediately
| |
% |
| Essential |
70 |
| Not essential |
25 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? Argentina to recognise British sovereignty of the Falklands pending a final agreement
| |
% |
| Essential |
75 |
| Not essential |
18 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? Argentina to recognise full British sovereignty for ever
| |
% |
| Essential |
44 |
| Not essential |
46 |
| Don't know |
10 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? The Falkland Islanders to have the final say in any settlement
| |
% |
| Essential |
62 |
| Not essential |
33 |
| Don't know |
5 |
Q. In any negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands, which of these conditions do you think are essential and should be insisted upon by the government, and which do you feel are not absolutely essential? The Falkland Islanders' views to be considered seriously even if they are not binding
| |
% |
| Essential |
88 |
| Not essential |
8 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q. The sticking point from Argentina's point of view is sovereignty, that is ownership of the Falkland Islands. A number of suggestions have been made of ways in which the issue of sovereignty could be decided. I would like you to tell me for each whether or not you consider this to be an acceptable solution. Britain to recognise Argentine sovereignty and withdraw immediately
| |
% |
| Essential |
7 |
| Not essential |
90 |
| Don't know |
3 |
Q. The sticking point from Argentina's point of view is sovereignty, that is ownership of the Falkland Islands. A number of suggestions have been made of ways in which the issue of sovereignty could be decided. I would like you to tell me for each whether or not you consider this to be an acceptable solution. Britain to recognise eventual Argentine sovereignty but to keep British sovereignty for an agreed period of time
| |
% |
| Essential |
33 |
| Not essential |
55 |
| Don't know |
12 |
Q. The sticking point from Argentina's point of view is sovereignty, that is ownership of the Falkland Islands. A number of suggestions have been made of ways in which the issue of sovereignty could be decided. I would like you to tell me for each whether or not you consider this to be an acceptable solution. Britain to retain sovereignty but allow a joint administration with Argentina
| |
% |
| Essential |
45 |
| Not essential |
47 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. The sticking point from Argentina's point of view is sovereignty, that is ownership of the Falkland Islands. A number of suggestions have been made of ways in which the issue of sovereignty could be decided. I would like you to tell me for each whether or not you consider this to be an acceptable solution. Transfer sovereignty to United Nations trusteeship
| |
% |
| Essential |
46 |
| Not essential |
43 |
| Don't know |
11 |
Q. The sticking point from Argentina's point of view is sovereignty, that is ownership of the Falkland Islands. A number of suggestions have been made of ways in which the issue of sovereignty could be decided. I would like you to tell me for each whether or not you consider this to be an acceptable solution. Britain to keep sovereignty and only hand it over if the islanders agree
| |
% |
| Essential |
65 |
| Not essential |
27 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. How much longer do you think negotiations should continue before Britain invades the Falklands?
| |
% |
| Invade immediately |
36 |
| 1 or 2 more days |
8 |
| 3 or 4 more days |
6 |
| 5 or 6 more days |
3 |
| 1 more week |
10 |
| 8-13 more days |
2 |
| 2 more weeks |
3 |
| 15 more days-1 month |
5 |
| More than 1 month |
7 |
| Should not invade at all |
11 |
| Don't know |
9 |
Q. If negotiations do break down, which of the following options on this card would you favour?
| |
% |
| Withdrawal of the task force |
7 |
| An extended blockade of the Falklands but no invasion |
19 |
| An occupation of part of the Falklands |
9 |
| A full-scale invasion of the Falklands |
59 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. If Britain does decide to invade the islands, should Britain bomb military bases in Argentina or not?
| |
% |
| Should |
34 |
| Should not |
58 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. Are you satisfied with the way the situation in the Falklands has been covered by …?
| |
Satisfied |
Dissatisfied |
Don't know |
| |
% |
% |
% |
| The serious press |
59 |
18 |
23 |
| The popular press |
52 |
31 |
17 |
| The BBC |
69 |
21 |
10 |
| ITV |
73 |
16 |
11 |
Panorama Survey 2: MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,091 adults aged 18+ on 23 May 1982. Interviews were conducted face-to-face at 54 constituency sampling points across Great Britain. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population. The survey was conducted for BBC Panorama.
Q. How would you vote if there were a general election tomorrow?
Q (If undecided/refused) Which party are you most inclined to support?
| |
% |
| Conservative |
48 |
| Labour |
31 |
| Liberal / SDP Alliance (combined) |
20 |
| Other |
1 |
| |
| Excludes: |
| Would not vote |
6 |
| Undecided |
8 |
| Undecided |
2 |
Q. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way the Government are now handling the situation in the Falkland Islands?
| |
% |
| Satisfied |
75 |
| Dissatisfied |
18 |
| Don't know |
7 |
Q. Do you think the Government was right to go ahead with the landing on the Falklands, or not?
| |
% |
| Yes, right |
80 |
| No, wrong |
14 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. Now that the attempt to recapture the Falklands has begun, should Britain continue fighting until Argentina agrees to leave the islands, or should Britain seek a ceasefire and further negotiations?
| |
% |
| Continue fighting |
63 |
| Seek a ceasefire |
33 |
| Don't know |
4 |
Q (To those who would continue the fighting) If it seems likely that the invasion will lead to a considerable loss of British life, would you still favour continuing fighting until Argentina agrees to leave the islands? Base: 689
| |
% |
| Yes, would still favour |
82 |
| No, would not |
12 |
| Don't know |
6 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable, and which are not acceptable? Britain should retain the Falklands forever
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
54 |
| Unacceptable |
34 |
| Don't know |
12 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable, and which are not acceptable? Britain should re-open negotiations with Argentina on the status of the islands.
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
50 |
| Unacceptable |
42 |
| Don't know |
8 |
Q. If Britain recaptures the Falklands, which of these options do you feel are acceptable, and which are not acceptable? Britain should hand over the islands to a United Nations trusteeship.
| |
% |
| Acceptable |
43 |
| Unacceptable |
47 |
| Don't know |
10 |
Q. Do you think that Britain's football teams should play in the World Cup in June or not?
| |
% |
| Yes, should |
73 |
| No, should not |
17 |
| Don't know |
10 |