Insight

54% of likely voters back Syria no-fly zone

54% of likely voters back Syria no-fly zone

Only one in four (24%) support the idea of the UK and other countries providing weapons and military supplies to rebels opposing the Syrian government while almost six in ten (57%) oppose it.

Even fewer, 20%, support the UK and other countries providing direct military support for ground operations in Syria, while 60% oppose it.

In contrast, the course of action which received the highest degree of support is the UK and other countries providing medical and humanitarian aid to the rebels, with six in ten (58%) in favour and just 24% opposed.

However, while support seems to decrease with more direct intervention, more than half (54%) of likely voters would support the UK and other countries enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria despite this being a considerably more expensive and potentially dangerous course of action.

Among supporters of different political parties, UKIP voters were the most likely to oppose providing medical and humanitarian aid (53% support, 35% oppose), Conservative voters were most likely to back arming the Syrian rebels (35%), to support a no-fly zone (66%) and to support direct ground operations (25%).

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 1,948 GB adults aged 18+ from 28th – 31st May 2013. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.