Poll reveals terror target fears

Nearly three-quarters of the public believe Tony Blair's foreign policy has made Britain more of a target for terrorists, according to a poll.

Just 1% think the Government's actions in areas such as the Middle East have improved the country's safety, while 72% think they have made Britain more of a target.

The latest Guardian/ICM survey - carried out over the weekend in the aftermath of the alleged terror plot - also suggests voters are suspicious of what ministers tell them about the national security threat.

While a fifth believe the Government is telling the truth about the threat from terrorism, 21% think it has actively exaggerated the danger.

A majority - 51% - are convinced ministers are not telling them the full story.

These concerns may be reflected in a sharp fall in support for Labour, down four points to 31% - a 19-year low.

The Tories, meanwhile, appear to have benefited from David Cameron's high-risk strategy of attacking the Government's handling of the terror alert.

The party recorded its strongest showing since 1992 at 40%, which, if repeated in a general election, would see Mr Cameron take power with a majority of about 10 seats.

Backing for the Liberal Democrats - who strongly criticised the Prime Minister for his stance on the Lebanon crisis - rose five points to 22%.

The poll, based on a weighted sample of 1,007 adults, is published in the Guardian on Tuesday.