(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The vast majority of people in Britain want to decide by themselves whether their country should ratify a new European Union (EU) common body of law, according to a poll by Populus released by Daily Politics. 73 per cent of respondents believe Britain should hold a referendum on the constitutional treaty.

The heads of state of the European Union (EU) officially signed the European Constitution on Oct. 29, 2004. The project for a continental body of law was practically abandoned in 2005, after voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the proposed document in two plebiscites.

In June, the leaders of the 27 EU member nations reached an agreement in Germany to revise the proposed Constitution, create a new European Union Constitution Treaty (EUCT) before the end of this year, and achieve its ratification by mid-2009.

On Oct. 19, aon the Lisbon Treaty and Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Lisbon Treaty provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission. The Charter will become legally binding in all EU member states except Britain, which negotiated an exemption.

The EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.

If all countries ratify the treaty—whether through a referendum or a parliamentary vote—the body of law will become effective in January 2009. Ireland, due to its internal regulations, is the only country that must hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments can decide whether they want to do the same.

British prime minister Gordon Brown ruled out a referendum on the treaty, saying he had already "safeguarded the national interest" by opting out on some areas. However, Brown urged lawmakers to hold "the fullest possible debate" on the document in the House of Commons, and declared: "I believe that debate will show that we have at all points defended the British national interest."

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? - We should have a referendum on the EU constitutional treaty.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? - Britain’s involvement in Europe should be limited to trading in a common market.

Source: Populus / Daily Politics
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,010 British adults, conducted on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, 2007. No margin of error was provided.

Archive Search

Over 19,300 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.