Three Houses, Three Views: MPs, MSPs and Welsh Assembly Members

Heard the one about the Englishman, the Scotsman and the Welshman …? Putting the jokes aside, with devolved Government now a reality across Britain, it is no longer enough for organisations to test the political climate by polling Westminster MPs.  Members of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, and Members of the Welsh Assembly have distinct views on a host of issues, and of course have the power to translate many of these opinions into legislation.  As the second round of our studies among Members of the Three Houses approaches, giving authoritative insight into the views of the leaders of Britain, we look back to some highlights of the 2007 research.

Views of the economy illustrate some of the stark differences between the Houses.  Last autumn, Westminster MPs were most pessimistic, with over half thinking that the economy would get worse over the following year, and only 5% thinking it would improve.  By contrast, MSPs in Holyrood and Welsh Assembly Members were much more positive about prospects for the economy, with 45% and 36% respectively saying it would improve.  With the prospect of more difficult times ahead, and public concern about the economy at its highest point since 1993, it will be interesting to see the 2008 results.

Despite differing opinions on the state of the economy, views of the role of business across the Three Houses are strikingly similar.  Expectations of corporate responsibility are high: the majority in each of the Three Houses agree that industry does not pay enough attention to its social responsibilities (Holyrood 60%, Welsh Assembly 55%, Westminster MPs 52%).  Only a fifth in each case disagree, so only a minority imply that business is doing enough.

There remain stark differences in opinion by party on the role of business in society, across all Three Houses.  Criticism that industry does not pay enough attention to its responsibilities is high among the ruling left and centre parties (Labour MPs in Westminster, SNP and Labour MSPs in Holyrood and the Welsh Labour Party and Plaid Cymru), whereas only around half as many Members in the mainly right-of-centre opposition parties in each case are likely to agree.  Nevertheless, there are signs that expectations of business are rising here too, for example there has been a fifteen-point increase in agreement among Conservative Westminster MPs in the last two years.  Given the current state of public opinion, this has striking implications for future Government policy.  Clearly, companies need to put effort into demonstrating to Members in all Three Houses that they are responding to high and rising expectations on their corporate responsibility.

For more information, please contact carl.phillips@ipsos-mori.com

The deadlines for the next round of our studies among Westminster MPs, Holyrood MSPs and Members of the Welsh Assembly are in August, with fieldwork starting in September and findings available from November (January 2009 for Westminster MPs).  Please contact carl.phillips@ipsos-mori.com or andrew.nelson@ipsos-mori.com for further details.