91Èȱ¬

A poll for 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 Live has found almost three-quarters of those questioned believe there should be a public inquiry into the invasion of Iraq and almost two-thirds are unconvinced by the Government's arguments in support of maintaining a British military presence in Afghanistan.

In the same poll the vast majority of those surveyed believe serving in the British Armed Forces is a job to be proud of.

The ComRes survey found that 72% of those questioned believe there should be an official inquiry into Britain's role in the invasion of Iraq, a figure which rises to 81% in the 18-24 age group. The findings come just three weeks after Justice Secretary Jack Straw vetoed the publication of minutes of Cabinet meetings discussing the legality of the war in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The poll also revealed 60% of the participants were unconvinced by the Government's arguments in support of keeping a British military presence in Afghanistan, with 35% of people convinced but only 8% "very convinced". In the 25-34 age group those unconvinced drops to 49% but rises to 70% for those aged over 65.

Whilst the results suggest misgivings about the British role in Iraq and Afghanistan, 91% of respondents felt serving in the British Armed Forces is a job to be proud of.

When asked if Prince William should continue to be protected from front line duties whilst serving in the British Armed Forces the poll was split with 48% agreeing the second-in-line to the throne should be protected and 48% disagreeing. Amongst the over 65 age group those who feel he should continue to be protected rises to 63%, whilst in the 25-34 age group this figure drops to just 38%, with 60% disagreeing with his protection from front line duties.

Radio 5 Live commissioned the poll as part of The Real Fighting Talk today (Monday 16 March) – a day of programmes focusing on the future of the British Armed Forces. Further results from the poll will be revealed on 5 Live during the day.

On 5 Live Breakfast (6.00-10.00am) the results of the exclusive 5 Live poll are revealed.

Victoria Derbyshire (10.00am-1.00pm) will be speaking to "Mum's Army", mothers of serving soldiers who talk about how they cope with a child in the Armed Forces.

Simon Mayo (1.00-4.00pm) will discuss if the minimum age of joining the Armed Forces should be raised.

And in 5 Live Drive (4.00-7.00pm), Peter Allen will be live from Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire speaking to new recruits, serving army personnel and military families.

There will also be interviews with serving soldiers in Iraq throughout the day from 5 Live's James Shaw in Basra.

Notes to Editors

If you use material from this release please ensure you credit 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 Live.

You can listen to 91Èȱ¬ Radio 5 live via 909 & 693 MW, DAB digital radio, Digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/5live.

ComRes surveyed 1,013 adults by telephone between 6 and 8 March. Data was weighed to be representative demographically of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full data tables available at www.comres.co.uk .

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