The Opinion Brief

With Britain set for it's sixth by-election of 2026 in Holborn and St Pancras, we take a deep dive into the constituency, ask what the race means for Labour and the Greens, and share some initial findings from our first focus group in the seat. We're also joined by Thorsten Benner, director of the Global Public Policy Institute in Berlin, to discuss the AfD's dramatic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt elections. Finally, we'll be looking at the unexpected link between your favourite season, and how you're likely to vote. 💬 GET IN TOUCH: Have a question or a topic you want us to cover? 📧 Email: hello@moreincommon.com 🌐 Website: https://www.moreincommon.com ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode 23, we look at where Reform stand as their party conference kicks off, the politics of nature with the National Trust, and Britain's adoration of Dolly Parton following her death. This week: The Conservatives' rise to their highest vote share since the start of the year as Reform fall out of the top two spots for the first time in a year and a half. What now for Reform? As the party's vote share sinks to its lowest since January 2025, what must they do to regain momentum? The politics of nature: we're delighted to be joined by Celia Richardson, Director of Communications and Fundraising at the National Trust, to discuss the political significance of the nation's love for nature. 'Jolene' or '9 to 5'? We reveal Dolly Parton's cross-party popularity, and which of her songs is really the public's favourite. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 22 of The Opinion Brief Podcast, Luke Tryl is joined by Sophie Stowers to unpack what's driving Britain's exceptionally high support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Why are Britons willing to endure higher household energy bills to keep sanctions on Russia intact? Why did the Homes for Ukraine scheme succeed in maintaining widespread public backing compared to other migration policies? Also in this episode: Do party conferences actually mean anything to Britons? The 'beer test': which party leader would the public rather go for a pint with? Why are Restore Britain now included in our weekly voting intention polling? ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Opinion Brief , host Luke Tryl is joined by More in Common’s Louis and Issy to analyse the Clacton by-election, how Nigel Farage performed, and what comes next for Reform. Also in this episode: Is high turnout actually a good thing? Are we in an era of 'high-stakes politics?' What do Reform voters think of the party's new welfare policies. What did the public make of the emergency alarm. And how does staring directly at a solar eclipse shape your voting behaviour? Explore the latest research, polling data, and reports on the More in Common UK Website . 📧 Contact Us: hello@moreincommon.com. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, we're lucky enough to be joined by Associate Editor at the Sunday Times, Josh Glancy, to look at the state of the parties and the Battle for the Right on the eve of the Clacton by-Election. Is the shine wearing off Nigel Farage for some voters? And what does the future look like for Reform UK? What do voters make of Kemi Badenoch - and is it enough to boost the Conservatives' support? How has Andy Burnham's premiership changed the landscape? Could Labour's policies on migration and the economy reshape the left and the right? Plus - who are the Britons that want Count Binface to win? Finally, Luke looks at one of the hot issues of the day - vertical drinking. Following Westminster City Council proposals to discourage standing while drinking in bars, our new polling finds that for many Britons, standing with your pint is a matter of national identity! 📩 ASK THE BRITISH PUBLIC ANYTHING. This week, we're asking your questions to the public. If there's anything you want to know about public opinion, email us your questions at hello@moreincommon.com to be featured next week! --------------------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH US --------------------------------------------------- 🌐 Website: https://www.moreincommon.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly public opinion insights! 🎧 Available on all major audio platforms. #UKPolitics #ReformUK #NigelFarage #KemiBadenoch #AndyBurnham #MoreInCommon #Polling #BritishPolitics ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the "Burnham Bounce" enough to save Labour at the next general election - or are there hidden warning signs in the latest polling? In Episode 19 of The Opinion Brief by More in Common, Luke Tryl breaks down the latest UK voting intentions, preferred Prime Minister ratings, and how Andy Burnham is shifting support across the "British Seven" voter segments. Plus, Alex Newton sits down with Mark Henderson from the Wellcome Trust to examine trust in science, and the team tackles a fiercely debated question: Where does the North of England actually begin? 📊 EXPLORE OUR GRAPH & QUIZ: • Take the British Seven Voter Segment Quiz: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/seven-segments/ • Read our Trust in Science Report: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/research/britain-talks-trust-in-science/ • Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour takes the lead for the first time in over a year as Prime Minister Andy Burnham sees a surge in approval ratings. In Episode 18 of The Opinion Brief by More in Common, host Luke Tryl breaks down our latest UK voting intention polling. We examine Labour’s jump to 28%, Reform UK’s drop, and how voters are reacting to Andy Burnham’s first fortnight of policy moves - from electricity VAT cuts to long-term social care reform. Plus, Luke is joined by Charlie Buckley to look at polling and focus groups for this week's Greater Manchester by-election, and Anouschka Rajah discusses proportional representation (PR) and how different voting systems could reshape our politics. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 17 of The Opinion Brief, the More in Common team breaks down the initial shifts in public following Andy Burnham taking office as Prime Minister. We look - exclusively - at the first voting intention polls of the Burnham era, public expectations around the cost of living, the North-South divide, and how the UK public really feels about extreme heatwaves and climate change. Plus, we compare public opinion in 2026 to Gallup polling data from 1952 - looking at class identity and whether Britons still believe political parties offer genuine difference. 📊 Explore all charts and data referenced in this episode: https://moreincommon.org.uk 📩 Have feedback or questions for the team? Email us: hello@moreincommon.com 🔔 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of UK public opinion, polling data, and political trends! #AndyBurnham #UKPolitics #MoreInCommon #PollingData #CostOfLiving #UKHeatwave #PublicOpinion ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our sixteenth episode of the Opinion Brief, we look at the final voting intentions and leader approval ratings of Keir Starmer’s premiership. With Reform UK holding a narrow lead but Nigel Farage’s personal approval hitting an all-time low, is the party's voter coalition under threat? We go direct to Clacton-on-Sea to share exclusive focus group clips following Farage's finance row. Plus, More in Common's Ireland Lead, Conleth Burns, joins us to break down brand-new research following the riots across Northern Ireland. We discuss what the public really thinks about immigration, integration, and the new divides in Northern Irish society, We wrap things up with a lighter look at British politics: what does your favourite ice cream flavour say about how you vote? (Yes, really!) 🔔 Subscribe for weekly data-driven political insights! ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election a masterstroke or could it backfire? In Episode 15 of The Opinion Brief, Luke Tryl breaks down how the finance row could be shifting attitudes toward Nigel Farage, and what might happen in Clacton. Next, Anna McShane (Director of the New Britain Project) joins Rhiannon McQuone on the show to discuss "The Birth of Distrust" - a report exploring how failures in the maternity care system are breaking women's trust in the NHS, government and healthcare. Finally, Luke and Cameron Garrett discuss how the 'never-ending' cost of living crisis is shaping our politics. Plus - do Britons' taste in pop music - from Take That to Kendrick Lamar - predict how people vote? Subscribe for weekly data-driven insights into what the UK public actually thinks. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 14 of The Opinion Brief, Luke Tryl discusses the emergence of an insider-outsider division in UK politics, is joined by Politico Playbook’s Megan McElroy to talk about the current state of the right, and finally is joined by Finn Walshe to break down the latest public opinion surrounding the World Cup. In this week's episode: The Burnham bounce: Labour's voting intention uptick. Insiders versus outsiders: voter behaviour is no longer purely decided by the traditional left-right cleavage. The battle for the right: Is Nigel Farage losing his grip on the right wing of British politics? World Cup: Thomas Tuchel's approval rating, hydration breaks, and who's watching the tournament? 📊 Read the full polling report & data: https://www.moreincommon.org 📧 Have a question or suggestion for our next focus group? Email us at hello@moreincommon.com If you enjoyed this breakdown of UK public opinion, make sure to SUBSCRIBE and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Episode 13 of The Opinion Brief by More in Common. Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister. With Andy Burnham the clear frontrunner to take over in Number 10, we look at where a Burnham premiership would stand in the eyes of the public. We are also joined by Anand Menon, Chief Executive of UK in a Changing Europe, to discuss where public opinion stands on Brexit 10 years on from the EU referendum. In this episode: Can Burnham turn things around? We break down the latest opinion polling surrounding Burnham including fresh approval ratings and voting intention. Can Burnham restore faith in politics? Could the UK rejoin the EU? Britons consider Brexit a failure and many are open to the idea of rejoining, but is this realistic? Does hayfever affect voting behaviour? 📬 Have questions or suggestions? Email us at hello@moreincommon.com ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday’s by-election results are in, and the UK political landscape has just been thrown into a spin. In this special bonus episode of The Opinion Brief, Luke Tryl, Sophie Stowers, and Louis O'Geran break down Burnham's support, historic turnouts, surprise results in Scotland, and what this means for the future of Sir Keir Starmer, Reform UK, and the Conservative Party. Makerfield turns out: What’s behind that remarkable turnout, and why what drove Andy Burnham’s support? What do the results mean for Reform UK? (and for Restore Britain). The SNP, the Tories, and the role of oil and gas in Scottish politics. What do the results in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry tell us? A look ahead to the Greater Manchester mayoral election set for July 30th. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this jam-packed episode, we look at today’s by-elections in England and Scotland, the government’s social media ban, the security and defence spending crisis, plus how does polling actually work? This week’s stories: As Kemi Badenoch hits an approval rating high , why has the Conservative Party's support remained stagnant? Defence spending fallout : In the wake of John Healey's resignation, the British public want increased defence spending but where do they think extra funds should come from? Is the public in support of the government's social media ban for under 16s? Triple by-election breakdown : focus group insights from Makerfield, plus could energy politics hinder the SNP in Aberdeen South or Arbroath and Broughty Ferry ? A pollster's guide to polling : the methodology behind the numbers. The decline of childhood independence over generations. 📊 View all the charts, word clouds, and graphs mentioned in this episode on our website: moreincommon.org 📧 Have a question or a topic we should poll? Email us: hello@moreincommon.com ✨ Subscribe for weekly deep dives into public opinion! ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Opinion Brief, we're joined by Sunday Times deputy political editor Lara Spirit to discuss the dramatic Makerfield by-election one week out, Andy Burnham’s political future, Reform UK’s strategy, Nigel Farage, Robert Kenyon, Restore, and whether Labour could face a leadership crisis sooner than expected. The episode also examines public reaction to the murder of Henry Novak, including new polling on policing, social cohesion, protests, and public trust in institutions. Topics covered include: Reform UK's polling bump. The Makerfield by-election: Burnham's leadership ambitions and Reform's strategy. The Henry Nowak case: Public opinion on the case, policing, and Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch's responses. Football pride and the World Cup. If you enjoy data-driven political analysis, polling, focus groups and deep dives into voter psychology, subscribe for weekly episodes. ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From immigration to welfare and Tony Blair, this week’s episode dives into some of the biggest issues of the moment. In this episode: The public’s reaction to Tony Blair’s essay and how they might vote if he returned as Labour leader. Common ground on welfare: Ian Porter from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation joins to discuss our latest research on public attitudes around the social security system. Immigration: do Britons believe net migration has fallen, what immigration policies do they want to see, and could Burnham’s migration stance give him an edge in Makerfield? 0 to 100: how do Britons rate their own attractiveness, kindness and humour? If you have any questions or suggestions, we'd love to hear from you! You can email us on hello@moreincommon.com ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week’s episode, Tim Shipman, author and Political Editor of The Spectator, joins us to discuss British politics and public opinion. We also reveal what the country made of Rachel Reeves’ petrol station heckle. In this episode: The latest voting intention and party leader approval rating headlines. Why can’t those in power deliver what the public wants? An in depth discussion with Tim Shipman. “Not very British!”: did the Chancellor’s response to a heckler land well with the public? ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Burnham now confirmed as the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election, this week’s episode takes a look at the constituency and Burnham’s chances. For our deep dive segment, we go into what recent elections tell us about exactly who votes for each party. In this episode: The latest voting intention and party leader approval ratings. In a hypothetical election with Burnham as leader, could Labour beat Reform? A rundown of the Makerfield constituency: what chance does Burnham have? In an era of voter realignment, what does the average voter now look like? Eurovision: do Britons care? ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer reels from Labour’s election losses, where do the public stand on the Prime Minister and a potential leadership challenge? We also have a post-election Q&A, answering the questions emailed in by our listeners. In this episode: How have the major parties and their leaders emerged from last week’s elections? The latest public opinion on Labour Party chaos: does the public think Starmer should resign and who do they want to replace him? Restore versus Reform: is Great Yarmouth a portent for Farage? Divided councils: what does No Overall Control mean for councils such as Birmingham and West Sussex? What do the votes in Scotland and Wales tell us about independence and devolution? ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded as the final results trickled in, this extra episode of The Opinion Brief gives you fresh analysis of the historic 2026 local elections. In this episode: What do the results of local elections across England tell us about the trends shaping British politics? How are Green and Reform voter bases changing, and what's surprising about their gains in these elections? How should the SNP be feeling after their result in Scotland? How has Reform UK managed to break through in Wales and Scotland? What happened to Welsh Labour, and is this the beginning of a new era in Welsh politics? How might all of these dynamics play out in the next general election? If you'd like to skip ahead to Scotland or Wales: Scotland - 44 minutes Wales - 1 hour 2 minutes ***** Access todays graphs, charts and images: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk/newsletter/the-opinion-brief-podcast/ For more from the podcast: https://linktr.ee/OpinionBriefPod Contact us: hello@moreincommon.com Read more: https://www.moreincommon.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.