Syria: Just over half of Britons back UK military action, Sky Data poll shows
Written by News on 08/04/2017
Just over half of Britons would support military intervention in Syria, a Sky Data poll suggests.
Some 51% answered saying they would support British military involvement alongside other Western countries, while 32% would oppose it.
However, when asked whether the British military should get involved in the country if it results in conflict with Russia, Britons are more evenly split.
In that scenario, some 41% would support UK involvement, while 38% would oppose it.
RAF planes are currently involved in a US-led coalition campaign against Islamic State in Syria, but do not target government forces.
The Sky Data poll comes amid allegations from doctors and world leaders that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against their own people.
The US has retaliated, attacking a Syrian airbase with 59 missiles on Friday.
Asked about an intervention by Western countries generally, such as the US and France, 53% would support this and 27% would oppose.
When asked the same if it would result in conflict with Russia, more still support than oppose an intervention (41% to 33%).
The public are more convinced than ever that Britain has a responsibility to do what it can to protect people in Syria.
Some 51% say the UK has such a responsibility, while 31% say it does not.
Younger voters are more likely to support military intervention even if it means conflict with Russia.
Those aged 18-34 back British intervention by 54% to 28%, while those aged 55 or older oppose intervention if it risks conflict with Russia by 45% to 30%.
:: Sky Data interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,162 Sky customers by SMS on 6 April 2017. Data are weighted to the profile of the population.
For full Sky Data tables, please click here.
(c) Sky News 2017: Syria: Just over half of Britons back UK military action, Sky Data poll shows
