Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden
Our research shows that nearly four in ten UK adults think Snowden is a hero. 39% agreed with the statement, ?Edward Snowden is a hero, willing to sacrifice himself for the public good?. However, as he waits for his fate to be decided, there is a divide regarding the rightful obligation which follows in this case. 30% think that he should be prosecuted for his crime, while 43% trust that he should be reprimanded for intentionally breaking the rules of his employer. However, 41% say he should not be prosecuted for his bravery and this act ought to be heard.
Breaking our results down by voting intention, a higher proportion of supporters of the Conservative Party agree that he ought to be prosecuted for his crime (46%) whereas a similar proportion of Labour and Liberal Democrat voters oppose this (42% and 43% respectively).
Looking at consequences for the UK of the revelation of sensitive US surveillance techniques, attitudes towards our current state of security are similarly split, with 28% agreeing it has been compromised, 33% in disagreement and a further 38% in between.
Nearly one in two Conservative voters (46%) believes the public?s security has been jeopardised as a result of Snowden?s actions. This figure drops to just a quarter (25%) of all Labour voters and just over three in ten Liberal Democrat voters (31%).
Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,002 UK adults aged 18+ from 12th to 14th of June 2013. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.
Voting intention:
Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 1,942 GB adults aged 18+ containing 1,622 likely voters from 12th to 14th of June 2013. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.
