We’re a nation that likes to think our glass is half full while noting that it is actually three quarters full but worried that someone is going to knock it over on the clean tablecloth.
A British Future survey has noted that optimism in the economy has risen to 29% from 9% in 2012 and 19% in 2013. 40% are still pessimistic though. The optimism may be well founded as a BBC report shows that the shop vacancy rate fell to a three and a half year low in December to 13.9% from 14.1 in November
In England the budget was the most important event for 2014 with the world cup 2nd. Surprisingly, The Scottish had the Scottish referendum 1st followed by the Commonwealth games (in Scotland), while Wales had the budget 1st then the 6 nations rugby (no shocks there as neither will be on the plane to Brazil
) And going with the glass knocked over theme 36% saw England getting knocked out in the first round while 3% saw us winning it (I wonder what countries gave those answers
)
On Europe 28% want to leave while 38% want to stay but negotiate a better deal and reduce EU powers
How much Europe?
On the question of the Scottish referendum 49% of Scots want to stay part of the UK with 43% of the English wanting them to stay as well. Despite that the Scots think they are more Scottish than British (49% with 24% saying they are Scottish not British), while the 34% think they are more English than British (18% English not British).
It’s good to see that us English still have our priorities right with the economy first and football second. It shows things can’t be all that bad if football is back on the agenda and it’s great to see not an once of bitterness from our football rivalling countries
The full survey can be found here.
