Only one in seven Brits is happy with the way society is at present and nearly seven out of ten (68%) want it to be more neighbourly, according to new research published today by Theos, the public theology think tank. Only 16% of people want to live in a more patriotic society.

In the CommunicateResearch poll 54% think that Gordon Brown is on the right track and that there needs to be greater willingness to celebrate Britain and its achievements but 43% of people believe that the United States offers a poor model of patriotism which Britain would do well not to follow.

The publication of the poll comes as Gordon Brown makes his first visit to the United States since becoming Prime Minister and coincides with the launch of a new Theos report entitled Red, White, Blue... and Brown: Citizens, Patriots and the Prime Minister.

The report analyses Gordon Brown's use of patriotic rhetoric, his understanding of national identity and his vision for citizenship. It identifies two major strands in his thinking - the 'national' and the 'neighbourly' - and argues that it is the second of these that is key to building a strong and healthy civil society.

Commenting on the report, Paul Woolley, Director of Theos said:

"Commitment to the basic civic values of the state is essential if we are to live together in peace. In that regard patriotism is important and we welcome its recent return to the political agenda.

"But patriotism is not a cure-all. We are asking too much of it if we expect it alone to build active and engaged citizens.

"We need to move beyond patriotism if we wish to foster social cohesion and civic engagement.

"Red, White, Blue... and Brown argues that we need to adopt a neighbourly model for citizenship and the polling data appears to support that view. This is not to ignore the important role that the nation plays in civic life but, rather, to put it in its proper place.

"Ultimately it is good neighbours, not good patriots, who make the best citizens. This presents faith communities in the UK with a real opportunity."

CommunicateResearch telephoned 1005 adults between 20 and 22 July 2007. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults. CommunicateResearch is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules (www.britishpollingcouncil.org)

To read the research in full, click here.

To read the report, Red, White, Blue... and Brown, Citizens, Patriots and the Prime Minister , click here.

To purchase a copy of the report at £10 inc. p&p, email your order here.