Free Republic

We want the State to stay out of our lives and sympathy for benefit claimants has evaporated More than half of us - 54% - think unemployment benefits are too high up from 35% in 1983 Workshy parents are to blame for child poverty, say 63% Rise of climate change scepticism: 37% say environment threat has been exaggerated - up from 24% a decade ago Just 29% think same-sex relationships are wrong - down from 46% in 2000 Only 31% want tax rises to pay for health and education, while it was 63% of us in 2002

A soldier praised for his courage in Afghanistan, which saw him awarded the Military Cross for bravery, is to present the FA Cup to the winning side. Cpl Mark Ward was chosen to present Saturday's prize to the winning captain because of his "inspirational leadership" as a section commander. A member of the Mercian Regiment, based in Catterick, North Yorks, he will be guest of honour at the Wembley final between Manchester City and Stoke City. He said he was "extremely proud". Among those who have previously presented the trophy are Prince William, the Queen, Winston Churchill and Sir Bobby...