An ICM opinion poll regarding a potential London bid for the 2012 Olympic Games has revealed that 81% of the nation is in favour of a bid.
Conducted on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the poll, published today, reveals that support is consistent across the regions, with adults in Scotland and Northern Ireland among the most enthusiastic.
Meanwhile, 82% of Londoners are in favour of seeing the Games staged in the capital.
Of the 3,000 people questioned in December, 70% believed that the Olympics would bring a feel-good factor and prestige to the UK, whilst 71% said that the Commonwealth Games in Manchester last summer proved that the UK was capable of staging the world’s premier sporting event.
The poll also reveals that 60% of the public think that the Games would bring employment and investment opportunities, providing a long-term legacy for London, with 65% of those questioned saying that hosting the Olympics would create more sporting opportunities for young people.
Overall, there has been a 12% upward swing in the public’s preference for a London bid since ICM Research last asked the question in June 2002.
UK Sport Chairman Sir Rodney Walker and John Scott, Director of Major Events, appear before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Wednesday afternoon as the Government continues to collect evidence before deciding whether to back a London bid at the end of the month.