Increased London 2012 Confidence

A nationwide survey shows that public support for the London 2012 Olympic Games remains high, with confidence that the UK will stage a successful Games growing to 79% from 76% last year.

With just under three years to go, over three-quarters (75%) of people are pleased that London is hosting the Games.

This compares with 78% in the previous survey a year ago which was conducted following Team GB’s success at the Beijing Olympics.

When asked about the benefits of the Games, 78% said they believe the benefits should be wider than just sport, with nearly a third (31%) of people saying unprompted they want help for the UK economy to be a long-term benefit from 2012. Increased participation in sport is considered an important benefit by 18% of respondents.

Seventy-one per cent said they believed the Games will have a positive effect on the UK as a whole, and 82% think there will be a positive effect on London.

In the host boroughs, 84% believe there will be a positive impact on London.

When asked about the impact on their own lives, 25% anticipate a positive impact and 24% on their local community.

Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "This research shows that public confidence that London 2012 will be a success has grown to 79% after another year of good progress across the Olympic programme.

"But we are not complacent, and nor do we take the public’s support for granted. We want London 2012 to be everyone’s Games which is why it is important that we know what their priorities are."

(PR/KMcA)