DAR AL HARB - U.K.: BRITONS BACK MILITARY ACTION TO STOP IRAN FROM GOING NUCLEAR

Britons back military action to stop Iran nuclear bid, poll

A majority of Britons would back military action to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons, according to a poll out here Wednesday.

The figures also revealed that Islamic fundamentalism is seen as a bigger threat in Britain than anywhere else in the European Union.

The survey by "Open Europe", an independent think tank set up by leading UK businessmen to contribute to the debate about the direction of the EU, found 51 percent of people in the UK support the statement "We must stop countries like Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, even if that means taking military action".

The figure was just below the European Union average backing of 52 percent.

But extra spending to boost the British military got a negative response, with only 37 percent of UK voters wanting to see more public funds switched from other budgets to defence.

The survey statement "Islamic fundamentalism is a serious threat for our country" got a 71 percent positive response by British voters.

Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of Britons said the country needs lower taxes if it is to compete in the world, but a majority (51 percent) support more "green" taxes.

On the EU, 83 percent of Britons said they want a referendum or some form of "citizen consultation" on any new EU treaty designed to give the EU more power.


Pertinent Links:

1) Britons back military action to stop Iran nuclear bid, poll