This applies just as much in the “red wall” seats of the north of England and the Midlands as elsewhere. In December 2009, a YouGov poll showed that 52% of people preferred spending cuts to tackle the deficit over tax rises, with the latter being the choice of 30%. In 2020, the picture has reversed: only 27% opted for spending cuts, 47% for tax rises. Polling now shows support for changes to capital gains tax, and an increase to corporation tax. There is a difference between permission for tax rises and a public clamouring to have more of their money taken by the state.

Source: The Guardian February 25, 2021 13:00 UTC