Liberal Democrats up 5% in latest ICM Poll to 22%

12.45.03pm GMT Thu 24th Aug 2006

The Liberal Democrats have bounced back with 22% in the latest (August) ICM/Guardian Poll with Labour's rating of 31% a 19 year low for the party and the second lowest rating since the Guardian started this polling in 1984.

Other questions asked were about terrorism and the UK's safety. Only 1% of voters believe the government's foreign policy has made Britain safer, 72% of the public (including 65% of Labour voters) think government policy has made Britain more of a target for terrorists. The poll also shows voters do not believe the government is giving an honest account of the threat facing Britain. Only 20% (26% of Labour voters) say they think the government is telling the truth about the threat, while 21% of voters think the government has actively exaggerated the danger.

In addition there have been five local council by-elections in August of which the Liberal Democrats have won four, three of which were gains.