Economic concerns outweigh terror fears

Britons are more worried about the cost of living than the threat of terrorism, crime or global warming, a survey has found.

Fears of an economic downturn are now overshadowing last year's concerns about immigration, race relations and crime and terrorism.

The study found 62 per cent of the population is now frustrated at the increased cost of living.

The Mood of Britain study, carried out by advertising agency McCann Erickson, found the nation more discontented than 12 months ago, with the credit crunch affecting consumers regardless of their wealth and age.

Concern about immigration and race relations dropped to second place, while crime is the third greatest concern.

Anger about terrorism fell sharply from 49 per cent last year to 34 per cent.

Almost a third said Prime Minister Gordon Brown was causing resentment, with 47 per cent of people aged 65 and over naming him as a source of anger.

Irritation about environmental issues fell from 27 per cent to 21 per cent, with worry about the economic situation putting green concerns "on the back burner this year", one respondent said.

Anger at crime levels increased by just 2 per cent across all age groups but by 11 per cent among 18 to 24-year-olds, with many raising fears of indiscriminate crime.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.