June 05, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Jun. 5, 2003 - Just days before chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown publishes a government report on the Euro, a majority of Britons are against the European currency, according to a poll by ICM published in the Sunday Mirror. 60 per cent of respondents would not support the Euro, even if the government makes a good case.

(CPOD) Jun. 5, 2003 - Just days before chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown publishes a government report on the Euro, a majority of Britons are against the European currency, according to a poll by ICM published in the Sunday Mirror. 60 per cent of respondents would not support the Euro, even if the government makes a good case.

The Euro has been used in 12 of the 15 European Union (EU) countries since Jan. 1, 2002. Sweden, Denmark and Great Britain are the only current EU members that have not adopted the currency.

Prime minister Tony Blair is expected to push for a national currency referendum before the next general election in 2006. 39 per cent of respondents want to vote on the issue before that time, and 32 per cent would prefer to voice their opinion as soon as possible.

Despite rejection to the European currency, 60 per cent of respondents say Britain should remain in the EU.

Polling Data

If Tony Blair and Gordon Brown say the time is right, would you want to join the Euro?

Yes	33%
No	60%

When do you think there should be a referendum on the Euro?

Before the next general election	39%
Now	32%
After the next general election	13%
Never	11%

Do you think Britain should stay in the European Union?

Yes	60%
No	31%

Source: ICM / Sunday Mirror
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 502 British adults, conducted on May 30 and May 31, 2003. No margin of error was provided.