Press Release - 10th December 2007

A new ICM poll commissioned by Global Vision indicates clearly that not only do the public want a referendum on the Reform Treaty but they would also support renegotiation in order to shape a looser relationship with the EU.

On the referendum issue, nearly three quarters said there should be a referendum, whilst less than 20% thought not.

Concerning Britain's relationship with the EU, people were given a choice of three options. The first, supported by just under a quarter of respondents, was to stay within the EU and participate in further integration. The second was to have a looser relationship with the EU based on trade and cooperation, whilst opting out of political and economic union. This was supported by nearly a half of the people and was clearly the option of choice. And the third was to withdraw from the EU altogether and was also supported by just under a quarter of respondents.

Ruth Lea, Director of Global Vision, said, "a healthy majority of people want a referendum on the Reform Treaty, which the Prime Minister intends to ram through Parliament. A similarly healthy majority are unhappy with the current relationship with the EU. They prefer to have a new looser relationship based on trade and cooperation or withdraw altogether."

"Surely the British people deserve to have their say on the Reform Treaty and, arguably more importantly have their aspirations for their country taken seriously by the British Government."