Poll reveals steep rise in younger adults flouting UK's Covid restrictions

The proportion of younger adults who admit to flouting Covid-19 restrictions has increased in the past fortnight to more than one in six, according to a poll.

In a worrying sign for ministers, the latest Opinium poll for the Observer showed the proportion of 18 to 34-year-olds who admitted breaking the rules has increased from 10% to 17% in the last fortnight. The proportion of 35 to 44-year-olds increased even more sharply – from 10% to 18% over the same period.

While the poll showed the overwhelming majority were complying with the regulations, the figures came as infections continue to rise ahead of a winter predicted to be very difficult for the NHS to manage.

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The survey also revealed that the public’s approval of the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis has dropped to its lowest levels since polling began. Currently, 50% disapprove of the government’s handling of the crisis, while 29% approve, down from 31% two weeks ago.

Labour has a two percentage point lead over the Tories. The Conservatives are down two points from a fortnight ago, while Labour is stable. The public is split on who would make the best prime minister. Keir Starmer leads by just one point, the same as a fortnight ago. While 31% thought the Labour leader would make the best prime minister, 30% opted for Boris Johnson.

Following the battle between the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and the government over funding, Burnham has a net approval rating of +23 points among those living in the Greater Manchester area. The prime minister has a national net approval rating of -14 points.

The public is divided on the clarity of the new tiered system of Covid restrictions. Half (50%) said they thought the system was clear, 44% thought the opposite. Nearly two in five (38%) thought the new measures had not gone far enough, 32% thought the measures were about right and 18% thought they had gone too far. A third (34%) said they were not confident they know what the rules are in their area.

Opinium polled 2,002 adults online from 22 to 23 October.