PUBLIC BACK LIBERAL DEMOCRAT POSITION ON EUROPE REFERENDUM BY MARGIN OF OVER 2:1

The public strongly prefer the Liberal Democrats’ call for a referendum on membership of the European Union, rather than the Conservative proposal for a referendum only on the Lisbon Treaty, according to an opinion survey carried out by Ipsos MORI.

The Ipsos MORI poll mirrors the results of a similar poll on Torbay MP Adrian Sanders' website that saw 55.6% of individuals wanting a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, 29.8% a referendum of the EU Reform Treaty and 14.8% not wanting a referendum on either.

Adrian Sanders said

“This opinion poll clearly shows that the Liberal Democrats are the only political party on the side of the British public on the European referendum.

“It shows that people understand the huge difference between an honest debate about our future in Europe, and David Cameron’s mealy mouthed support for a restrictive referendum on the specific details of the Lisbon Treaty.

“It’s still not too late for him to change his mind and give the public the real choice on Europe that they want.

“A referendum on the Lisbon Treaty text would not resolve the fundamental question of our relationship with the EU. Only an in-out referendum about our membership of the EU would finally settle the matter. No voter under the age of 51 has had a chance to have their say in a referendum.

“The Liberal Democrats would relish the opportunity to put the case to the British people for our wholehearted commitment to the EU.”

The Ipsos MORI poll showed that 54% of the public favoured a referendum on EU membership, 27% were against a referendum and 19% did not express an opinion.

When asked – ‘if there were to be a referendum on Britain’s relationship with Europe, would you prefer it to be a referendum only on the Lisbon Treaty, or a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union?’ - the public preferred a membership referendum by a margin of more than 2:1.

When only the views of those who are able to give an opinion about what sort of referendum they want are included, 58% back a referendum on EU membership against 28% who favour a referendum only on the Lisbon Treaty.