All pollsters have said similar, but: every poll has shown large levels of lockdown support at all stages of the pandemic, and the public do ultimately value saving lives that could be lost to relaxed restrictions over businesses going bust due to stricter lockdowns.

Lockdown sceptics in everyone's twitter feed that bleat the classic "nobody I know supports lockdowns" are just a very vocal minority.

The issue that pollsters have had throughout the pandemic is equating attitudes with behaviours. People may support lockdowns but do they follow them to the letter of the law? Unlikely, in my view, but I'm not convinced people who say they do follow the rules are lying to us.

Are they just confused as to what the rules are (particularly since November)? Do they know what is law and what is 'guidance'? Do they think they're following the rules when in fact they're not? Do they believe that following the rules 'most of the time' is good enough?

Not my place to comment on Govt communications regarding the pandemic, but it has at times (as a mere citizen with a view) felt that the UK has lacked public broadcasts and addresses reminding us what we can and can't do.

That, and (necessary) caveats to restrictions depending on personal circumstances, e.g. support bubbles, shielders etc. has made the whole picture just very cloudy - no wonder the public think they're obeying the rules even if they are not.

That said (shameless plug), some research we conducted with @LeedsUniAHC does delve into this very issue and makes for an interesting read. Congrats to esteemed colleagues @charuorfalse and @simon_cereda for working hard on it - and continuing to do so. https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/media/doc/communicating-pandemic