FOR the first time since April 2008, race relations and immigration has pipped the economy in Ipsos MORI’s issues index as the biggest concern facing Britons today. Mentioned by two fifths (39%) of the public—an increase of five percentage points since May—this probably reflects the media fracas surrounding these issues leading up to the local and European elections. The economy has slipped to second place with a third (33%) mentioning it. In June 2013, 50% of people cited the economy as the most important issue.

12% of Britons say Europe is the most important issue—the highest share in nine years. That suggests Britons are paying attention to the row over the candidacy of ex-Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission president. This is bad news for David Cameron, who loudly opposes his candidacy, and who looks almost certain to lose over the issue.