by Sunny Hundal

We’re indulging in too much banker bashing, wailed the Times and Financial Times last week.

Their well paid commentators should pay a bit more attention to public opinion. A YouGov poll for the Sunday Times yesterday found the public had lots of appetite for more banker bashing.

» Asked if it was right to strip Fred Goodwin of his knighthood – 67% of people said it was right, while only 18% said it was the wrong decision.

» And what about others? Should other senior executives of banks that needed to be bailed out also be stripped of honours?

YES, said the public, enthusiastically. 63% agreed while only 19% disagreed (that includes 61% of Tory voters too).

» Was the government right to pressure Hester into not accepting his bonus? (Actually that was Labour, not the govt…) – 72% said yes. Only 20% disagreed.

» Would all this damage the business environment in Britain, asked YouGov. Only 25% said it would damage UK’s business environment while 56% said it wouldn’t (incl a majority of Tories).

Neither was the public convinced it would discourage foreign companies from coming here.

So much for the likes of Toby Young and other Tories being in touch with public opinion on this issue.