Increasing perception that England gets worst deal in the UK, survey suggests

Future of England Survey finds growing support for Ukip and 'English votes for English laws'

The Houses of Parliament (Getty Images)

Growing dissatisfaction with how England is governed is laid bare in a new survey, as well as widespread backing for the establishment of an English parliament.

Resentment is focusing on the perception that England gets an unfair deal compared with the rest of the United Kingdom, the latest report of the Future of England Survey found.

It also underlines the surging popularity of the UK Independence Party.

Asked which party is best placed to stand up for English interests, Ukip was named by 23 per cent of voters, ahead of “none of the above” (19 per cent) and Labour (17 per cent). Despite David Cameron's backing for “English votes for English laws” (EVEL), the Conservatives were named by just 16 per cent.

Mr Cameron also trailed the Ukip leader Nigel Farage – by 15 per cent to 22 per cent – over which political leader best stood up for English interests.

EVEL is supported by 40 per cent of English electors, a steady rise on surveys in 2011 and 2012. An English parliament is favoured by 42 per cent of people.

One of the report’s authors, Guy Lodge, associate director at the Institute for Public Policy think-tank, said: “The English are no longer satisfied with the status quo.

“This is reflected in the strong public support for some form of English votes for English laws. However, there is no agreement on what form should be implemented among the many different proposals on offer.”