Poll shows that UK views its Muslims and Jews more favourably than other European countries

Posted: Wed, 28th May 2014

According to a recent poll from the US-based Pew Research Centre, the UK has a more favourable opinion of its Muslim community than any other European country surveyed.

The poll carried out in relation to the Euro elections found that 26% of Britons had an "unfavourable" view of Muslims in the country (64% were "favourable"), whereas in Italy 63% said they had an unfavourable view of Muslims with only 28% saying they have a favourable view.

In answer to the question "Do you have a favourable or unfavourable view of Muslims in your country", the full results were:

  • Italy: 63% unfavourable; 28% favourable
  • Greece: 53% unfavourable; 43% favourable
  • Poland: 50% unfavourable; 32% favourable
  • Germany: 33% unfavourable; 58% favourable
  • France: 27% unfavourable; 72% favourable
  • UK: 26% unfavourable; 64% favourable

In terms of the UK's Jewish community, the UK has a 7% "unfavourable" rating (with 83% "favourable"). Only Germany (5%) had a lower level of unfavourable views.

In answer to the question "Do you have a favourable or unfavourable view of Jews in your country", the full results were:

  • Greece: unfavourable 47%; favourable 47%
  • Poland: unfavourable 26%; favourable 59%
  • Italy: unfavourable 24%; favourable 65%
  • Spain: unfavourable 18%; favourable 72%
  • France: unfavourable10%; favourable 89%
  • UK: unfavourable 7%; favourable 83%
  • Germany: unfavourable 5%; favourable 82%

See the full report here at PewGlobal.org