Flash Eurobarometer Attitudes Towards The Eu In The United Kingdom ...
European
Commission
Analytical Report
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Flash Eurobarometer
European
Commission
Flash Eurobarometer
Attitudes towards the EU
in the United Kingdom
Analytical report
Fieldwork: May 2009
Publication: July 2009
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This survey was requested by the Directorate General Communication.
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This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission.
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The interpretations and opinion
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Analytical Report
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Flash EB Series #274
Attitudes towards the EU
in the United Kingdom
Conducted by
The Gallup Organisation, Hungary
at the request of the Directorate General
for Communication
Survey co-ordinated by
Directorate General Communication
This document does not represent the point of
view of the European Commission.
The interpretations and opinions contained in it
are solely those of the authors.
THE GALLUP ORGANISATION
page 2
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Main findings ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1. Information about the EU ............................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Self-perceived level of knowledge of the EU ............................................................................... 6
1.2 Information supply ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.3 Information needs .......................................................................................................................... 9
2. Support for the EU ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.1Public perception of the EU and the UK’s membership .............................................................. 11
2.2 Participation in the European parliamentary elections ................................................................ 14
3. The UK’s contribution to the EU ................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Financial contribution ................................................................................................................. 15
3.2 Political contribution ................................................................................................................... 16
4. EU policies affecting the UK ........................................................................................................... 19
4.1 The EU’s role in certain policy areas .......................................................................................... 19
4.2 UK relevance of specific EU policies ......................................................................................... 20
4.3 Benefits of the EU membership .................................................................................................. 23
5. Annex tables ..................................................................................................................................... 29
6. Survey details ................................................................................................................................... 59
7. Survey questionnaire ....................................................................................................................... 61
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Introduction
Alongside the standard biannual Eurobarometer surveys, the European Commission periodically keeps
track of the UK public's attitude to and knowledge of the European Union and its familiarity with
certain important issues..
The main themes in the current report relate to British citizens and their:
self-perceived knowledge of the EU
need for information on the EU
awareness of the EU
opinion about who should be responsible for keeping them informed about the EU
opinion about the benefits of EU membership
thoughts on the opportunities provided by EU membership
awareness of several benefits and projects related to the EU.
This study follows on from earlier Flash Eurobarometer surveys that have been undertaken since
2002.1 The content of the questionnaires, however, has changed substantially with each wave of the
surveys in order to reflect the changing reality both within the EU and the UK.
The fieldwork was carried out in the United Kingdom between 21 and 25 May 2009. 1,000 randomly
selected citizens aged 16 and older were interviewed via fixed-line telephone. To correct for sampling
disparities, a post-stratification weighting of the results was implemented based on key socio-
demographic variables.
1 Flash EB 137, 185, 203 and 231 are accessible at the EC Eurobarometer website at
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/flash_arch_en.htm
page 4
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Main findings
Information about the EU
18% of UK respondents felt informed about the EU compared to 12% and 15% in,
respectively, 2002 and 2006. However, 83% 2 said they knew little or nothing about the EU.
Only a tiny minority of the British public “strongly” agreed that the information available on
EU affairs was simple and clear (4%), and a third (34%) agreed to some extent.
Respondents felt that EU reports on television, radio and, particularly, in the written press
were too negative. Almost half (48%) perceived a negative bias in press reports.
More than half of the British public (54%) indicated that they did not want to receive more
information about the EU.
British citizens mainly expect their government to inform them about the European Union and
its decisions (43%).
Support for the EU
Respondents were divided about the “image” of the EU: of those taking a position, about half
had a rather positive image of the EU (37%), while the other half took the opposite view
(40%).
Similarly, 37% of respondents felt the economic benefits of the UK being a member of the EU
outweighed the costs and 40% took an opposite viewpoint.
Taking an overview of the questions concerning the EU’s “image” and the “cost-benefit
analysis” of membership, respondents aged 55 and over (34%) and those with the lowest level
of education (39%) were the most likely to evaluate the EU and the UK’s membership
consistently negatively.
The UK’s contribution to the EU
When asked to estimate the UK’s net contribution to the EU budget, only 6% of respondents
said it was below 3% of GNI (the actual figure is 0.21% (2007)). On average, respondents
estimated that the UK transferred, annually, 23% of GNI to the EU. Just under half of
respondents (48%) did not or could not answer.
Politically, 44% felt that the UK had a lot or a fair amount of influence on the way EU laws
are made. Half (51%), on the other hand, felt that the UK had little or very little influence.
EU policies affecting the UK
Most respondents acknowledged that the EU had a role in tackling some of the most pressing
topical issues – each of them having clear international dimensions (70%).
Presented with areas where EU membership could be beneficial, a convincing majority agreed
on these benefits: the single market (67%), a cleaner environment (58%), more weight in trade
negotiations (58%). They were least convinced about improved working conditions (49%).
The perception that consumers were benefiting from the single market was exceptionally high
in the youngest segment (15-24 year-olds: 81%), among the most educated (78%) and those
living in large cities (72%). Those who felt informed about the EU were more likely to
confirm such benefits (74%) than those who knew little or nothing about EU matters – which
was generally true for all benefits tested.
Most interviewees would care (at least a bit) if any of these benefits were lost, e.g. by not
being a member of the EU. Roughly one in six (16%), though, would not mind losing these
benefits if the UK were not a member of the EU.
2 Please note that the due to rounding numbers might not add up to 100% or add up to 101%.
page 5
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
1. Information about the EU
18% of UK respondents felt informed about the EU compared to 12% and
15% in, respectively, 2002 and 2006. However, 83% said they knew little or
nothing of the EU.
Only a tiny minority of the British public “strongly” agreed that the
information available on EU affairs was simple and clear (4%), and a third
(34%) agreed to some extent.
Respondents felt that EU reports on television, radio and, particularly, in the
written press were too negative. Almost half (48%) perceived a negative bias
in press reports. More than half of the British public (54%) indicated that
they did not want to receive more information about the EU.
British citizens mainly expect their government to inform them about the
European Union and its decisions (43%).
1.1 Self-perceived level of knowledge about the EU
Historically, Standard Eurobarometer surveys have shown3 that the British public’s awareness levels
of the EU have been low. Although a vast majority (83%) still say that they know either little (69%) or
nothing (14%) about the EU’s institutions and policies, this latest study shows a small change. The
size of the most ill-informed segment of the public has halved since 2006, when almost 3 in 10 (29%)
said they knew nothing at all about the EU, compared to roughly one in seven (14%) in the current
survey. It remains to be seen whether or not this trend will continue or if it will be influenced by the
information campaigns held prior to the European parliamentary elections, scheduled two-three weeks
after the fieldwork of the current study.
There has been little change in regard to the proportion of respondents feeling most informed. A slight
increase was detected, however, when comparing the current result (1% knew “a great deal” and 17%
“quite a lot”; i.e. 18% felt informed about EU matters) with previous studies. In 2002 and 2006, the
corresponding figures were, respectively, 12% and 15%.
Knowledge of the EU, its policies and
institutions
nothing at all
a little
quite a lot
a great deal
1
14
17
2009 (FL274) 14
69
17 1
A great deal
2006 (FL185)
29
56
13 2
Quite a lot
A little
2002 (FL137)
Nothing at all
29
58
11 1
69
DK/NA
0
20
40
60
80
100
Q14. How much do y ou feel y ou know about the
European Union, its policies, its institutions?
Would you say you know ...?
%, Base: all respondents
3 For the latest results see Standard Eurobarometer 70
(http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb/eb70/eb70_en.htm).
page 6
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Men felt more knowledgeable about EU matters (21% vs. 14% of women) and awareness was seen to
increase with age (see Annex Table 23). The most informed were those respondents with the highest
level of education (who attended college/school beyond the age of 20), but even there, only roughly
one in four felt they knew quite a lot or a great deal about the EU (27%). On the occupational front,
the self-employed (26%) felt far more informed than manual workers (10%) and employees (15%). In
several segments, the proportion of those who indicated they knew nothing about the EU was higher
than those who said they knew quite a lot or a great deal; e.g. among those with the lowest level of
education (who left school at the age of 15 or earlier), 11% said they were informed and 18%
confirmed they knew nothing at all, and among the youngest respondents (aged 15-24), these figures
were 13% and 18%.
In section 2.1., an attitudinal typology is defined. Looking at attitudinal segments according to their
stance towards the EU, the proportion of well informed citizens was highest among those who held a
consistently favourable opinion of the EU and the UK’s membership (30%), followed by those who
provided a consistently sceptical opinion (21%). The self-perceived level of information was at its
lowest among those with inconsistent views about the EU (11%).
A cross-analysis of the current level of knowledge about the EU with the respondents’ desire to
receive more information about this topic confirms that those with the least knowledge of EU affairs
are also those most likely not to want more information. Those who claimed they were knowledgeable
about the EU (e.g. they
knew more than “a little”
Knowledge of the EU and interest in receiving more information
about the EU, its policies
Very interested
Quite interested
Quite uninterested
Not at all interested
and institutions) were by
far the most likely to say
Knows a great deal and quite a lot
17
41
17
24
they would be interested
in
receiving
further
information. Overall, 58%
Knows a little
8
40
23
29
in this group were “very”
or “quite” interested in
Knows nothing at all 3
19
27
50
obtaining
more
information about the EU
Q14. How much do you feel you know about the European Union, its policies, its
versus 21% of those who
institutions?
Would you say you know ...?
claimed
they
knew
Q16. How interested are you in receiving more information about the EU?
%, Base: all respondents
nothing at all about EU
affairs. Exactly half of those who said they knew nothing about the EU also indicated that they were
not interested in receiving more information.
1.2 Information supply
Only a tiny minority of the British public “strongly” agreed that the information available on EU
affairs was simple and clear (4%), and a third
Information available on the EU is simple
(34%) agreed to some extent. A larger share of
and clear
respondents felt that EU-related information
was not easy to digest: 20% strongly disagreed
8
4
and 33% disagreed that the information was
Strongly agree
simple and clear.
20
Agree
Interestingly,
the results
of
the
socio-
34
demographic analysis show that some of the
Disagree
respondents feeling the least informed about EU
matters were the ones agreeing that the
Strongly disagree
available information was clear enough. For
DK/NA
example, the youngest respondents (65%) and
33
Q15. Would you agree that current information
available on the European Union is simple and clear
page 7
enough? Would you ....
%, Base: all respondents
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
manual workers (55%) were the segments in most agreement that information about the EU is simple
and clear – see Annex Table 24).
Those who had a consistently positive stance towards the EU were more likely to admit that EU-
related information is easily understandable (46%) compared to those who had a consistently
unfavourable opinion (26%).
The survey also asked British citizens whether or not the information conveyed by the various media
about the EU was objective, or whether it had a particular bias. Respondents’ replies indicate a
general negative bias in the reporting on EU affairs on television, radio and in the written press. Each
of these was seen to be rather negative in their reporting of EU-related news: the “too negative” replies
outnumbered the “too positive” responses. In the case of broadcast media, slightly less than two in five
respondents found the reports to be objective.
Reports appearing in the written press,
Perception of the British media
however, were seen to be the most negative: a
plurality of respondents (48%) indicated that
Too positively
Objectively
Too negatively
DK/NA
reports about the EU tend to be unnecessarily
negative. Even those respondents who
Television 2009
19
36
33
13
expressed
consistently
unfavourable
2007
14
36
25
25
opinions about the EU and the UK’s
membership (see section 2.1 for a description
Radio 2009
18
38
21
23
of how groups were defined) mostly agreed
2007
12
33
17
39
that press reports about the EU were too
negative (45% vs. 27% who saw them as
objective and 18% who felt they are too
Press 2009
16
26
48
11
positive).
2007
13
27
38
22
Looking at the evolution of opinions, the first
Q13. Do you think that the British ... presents the European
Union too positively, too negatively or objectively?
evident difference between the current study
%, Base: all respondents
and Flash Eurobarometer 2034 (December
2006 / January 2007) is the significantly lower proportion of those who did not express an opinion at
that time. It must be remembered that the fieldwork of the current study was carried out during the
campaign for the 2009 European parliamentary elections and this may have had a significant impact
on citizens' awareness of the topic. The dominant pattern, e.g. that citizens believe that the media tend
to report EU matters in a non-objective way, has not changed since 2007. The relative numbers of
those respondents feeling that the reporting is “objective” (among those who had an opinion) have
decreased somewhat since 2007. In such relative terms, both the proportion of those seeing the reports
as “too negative” and those seeing a “positive” bias have increased (especially the former) in the case
of television and the written press. Radio reports, though, were more frequently perceived – among
those who expressed an opinion – as having a “positive” bias, compared to 2007.
Those who felt informed about EU matters were more likely to criticise the television and press
coverage as having either a “positive” or “negative” bias (in the case of the press, the difference was
higher in the case of the “too negative” responses). The situation was different in the case of the radio:
the well-informed group only felt a more “positive” bias with the uninformed seeing a more
“negative” one. Generally, the most systematic difference across the various socio-demographic and
attitudinal segments was the proportion of the “don’t know” replies, which were consistently higher
among women and those with lower levels of education. But the fundamental pattern of a rather
“negative” bias in EU-related reports was present in each of the analysed segments – even among
those who generally had a consistently unfavourable opinion about the EU and the UK’s membership.
(For further details see Annex Tables 20, 21 and 22 for television, radio and written press,
respectively.)
4 http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl203_en.pdf
page 8
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
1.3 Information needs
More than half of the British public (54%)
Interest in receiving more information
indicated that they did not want to receive
about the EU
more information about the EU.
0
9
Overall, just under half (47%) were interested
Very interested
in receiving more information, with around 1 in
31
10 expressing a definite interest in having more
Quite interested
information (9%) and 38% confirming they
were “quite interested” in learning more about
38
Quite uninterested
the European Union.
Not at all interested
The proportions of those interested in receiving
23
DK/NA
further information essentially match the
pattern we saw for the current level of
information: those segments most interested in
Q16. How interested are you in receiving more
information about the EU?
receiving further information are those that
%, Base: all respondents
were already relatively well informed. (See
Annex Table 25). Roughly 6 in 10 (59%) of the informed citizens - in their opinion - were quite or
very interested in receiving more information, but only 44% of the uninformed group felt that way. Of
the socio-demographic groups, those with the highest level of education were most likely to express an
interest in obtaining more information (61%), a number roughly double that of those with the lowest
level (30%). There was also a twofold gap between consistent “supporters” and consistent
“opponents” of the EU and the UK’s membership: 68% and 34%, respectively, said they were
interested in receiving more information about the EU.
When the survey asked those who criticised EU-
related information for not being simple and clear
If more simple and clear information on
enough if they would be more likely to absorb
the EU were available
information if it was easier to digest. 29% of
respondents said that this was very likely and a
9
0
further 54% hinted that it was likely that they
8
Very likely
29
would be more open to EU-related information if
Likely
it was less difficult.
Not likely
A deeper analysis of the replies collected in the
survey, however, did not confirm that the
Not likely at all
perceived simplicity (or complexity) of the
information had much to do with the
54
DK/NA
respondents’ supposed awareness level: about
one in five of those who felt informed as well as
Q17. If more simple and clear information on the
those who felt uninformed in EU matters strongly
European Union were available, how likely would you be
to read /listen /watch it?
disagreed that the current information about the
%, Base: who think information on the EU in not simple and clear
or who are interested in receiving more information about the EU
EU was clear and simple (21% and 20%,
respectively).
Looking at the various segments, their replies further corroborated the underlying assumption that
there are people who are simply not interested in EU-related information, regardless of its simplicity
or clarity. Those segments who felt better informed and were more interested in receiving additional
information were also the most likely to indicate that they would consume even more information if it
were simpler to understand. A clear indication of this pattern is that 44% of those who already felt
informed about the EU admitted that they would be very likely to read or watch more such news if it
were easier to digest, while 25% of the uninformed group had this opinion. See Annex Table 26.
British citizens overwhelmingly expect their government to inform them about the EU: 43% chose
it as the agent primarily responsible for conveying information about the EU. One fifth of the British
page 9
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
public felt that this responsibility lies with media outlets, and 14% felt that it was their local
government’s responsibility to inform them about the EU and its decisions.
Fewer citizens think it is the EU's job: roughly 1 in 10 (11%) thought that the UK’s EU Information
Centres have the prime responsibility
to inform British citizens and half
Responsibility for keeping citizens informed about
that number (6%) felt that this should
the EU and its decisions
be the responsibility of the EU
institutions.
The British government
43
Newspapers/television
20
Only political parties scored lower
than the EU: 4% saw them as being
Local government
14
primarily responsible for keeping
EU information centres in the UK
them up to date with EU-related
11
development and news.
The EU institutions
6
Opinions were rather homogenous in
Political parties
4
the various segments, with each
DK/NA
3
respondent group feeling it was up to
the
government
to
provide
Q18. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you
information.
The
youngest
informed about the EU and its decisions? Please choose ONE
from the list that I am going to read to you.
respondents were remarkably more
%, Base: all respondents
likely than others to expect the media
to provide such information (29%), while those who had a consistently favourable opinion about the
EU were twice as likely as others to assign such responsibility to EU institutions (9%) or EU
information centres (17%). See Annex Table 27.
page 10
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
2. Support for the EU
Respondents were divided about the “image” of the EU: of those taking
position, about half had a rather positive image of the EU, while the other
half took the opposing view (40%).
Similarly, 37% of respondents felt the economic benefits of the UK being a
member of the EU outweighed the costs and 40% took the opposite
viewpoint.
Taking an overview of the questions concerning the EU’s “image” and the
“cost-benefit analysis” of membership, respondents aged 55 and over (34%)
and those with the lowest level of education (39%) were the most likely to
evaluate the EU and the UK’s membership consistently negatively.
UK support for the EU has been lacklustre, as evidenced by the series of Standard Eurobarometer
surveys keeping track of EU support in the country since 1973.5 This section looks at how British
citizens perceive the EU’s image and their opinion about the economic costs and benefits of the UK’s
membership.
2.1 Public perception of the EU and the UK’s membership
The British public is highly ambivalent when
Attitudes toward the European Union
it comes to judging the “image” of the EU:
about half of those who took a position one
6
way or the other had a rather positive image
Rather positive
of the EU (37%), while the other half took the
17
37
opposite view (40%, slightly more than the
Rather negative
proportion of favourable replies). Roughly
one in six (17%) took a neutral stance (neither
Neither positive,
positive nor negative) and 6% had no opinion
nor negative
on this matter.
DK/NA
40
A positive perception of the EU was well
above
average
among
the
youngest
respondents (aged 15-24: 47%), those with
Q1. In general, do you have rather a positive or
negative image of the European Union?
the highest level of education (55%) and city
%, Base: all respondents
dwellers (47%). Manual workers were also
more positive than the average as far as the EU’s image was concerned (45%). See Annex Table 1 for
more details.
On the other hand, British citizens aged 55 or over (54%), rural citizens (46%) and those with the
lowest level of education (60%) tended to have a rather negative image of the European Union. Men
also had a clearly more negative image of the EU (44% vs. 37% of women).
5 For the latest results see Standard Eurobarometer 70
(http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb/eb70/eb70_en.htm).
page 11
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Similar results characterise British opinions when it comes to a cost-benefit analysis of the UK’s EU
membership: 37% of respondents felt economic benefits outweighed the costs and 40% took the
opposite viewpoint. About 1 in 12 thought costs and benefits were in balance (8%) and about one in
seven (15%) had no opinion.
Economic costs vs. benefits of being in the EU
In fact, as discussed in section 3.1 only a
small minority in the UK are aware of the
size of the UK’s contribution to the EU.
15
The benefits exceed the
Among those who put this figure
economic costs
(correctly) in the range of 0-3% of GNI,
37
8
The economic costs exceed
the proportion of those who felt that
the benefits
benefits exceeded costs reached 62%. This
They are in balance
finding may indicate that if people were
more aware of the amount channelled
towards the EU, their cost-benefit analysis
DK/NA
40
could change positively.
Not just the overall results, but those
Q7. In your opinion, do the economic costs of being in the EU
exceed the benefits or do the benefits exceed the cost?
shown within the various segments (as
%, Base: all respondents
Annex Table 11 shows) are reminiscent of
the results found for the EU’s image: i.e. a
positive balance of costs and benefits was most often seen by the youngest generation (aged 15-24:
55%), the most educated (50%) and city dwellers (44%). Furthermore, those who felt costs
outweighed benefits were most often found among those aged 55 and over (47%) and the less
educated (49%). Self-employed citizens (47%) and those in medium-sized cities (45%) were also more
likely to perceive a net loss accruing from the UK’s membership in economic terms.
Looking at the various social segments in the UK’s general population, the survey found none where
those respondents providing consistently positive replies would be in the majority.
The older respondents and those with
Support for the EU and the UK membership in various
the lowest level of education were the
social segments (emotional and rational assessment combined, %)
most likely to evaluate the EU and the
UK’s
membership
consistently
GENDER
negatively (55 and over: 34%, least
Male
25
48
27
Female
16
65
19
educated: 39%).
AGE
15-24
34
55
11
The correlation between time spent in
25-39
20
67
12
full-time education and regarding the
40-54
16
60
24
55+
18
48
34
EU favourably is evident: only 9% of
OCCUPATION
those with the lowest level of
Self-employed
19
57
24
education
were
consistently
Employees
20
57
23
Manual workers
28
55
17
favourable towards the EU and the
Not working
20
56
23
UK’s membership, but support rose
URBANISATION
with the level of education: 13% of
metropolitan zone
27
58
15
those with an average level of
other town/urban/centre
17
58
24
rural zone
21
53
26
education (in education at least until
LEFT SCHOOL AT THE AGE OF...
the age of 20) and to 35% of those
-15
9
52
39
with the highest level of education
16-20
13
62
25
(presumably educated to degree level).
20+
35
50
15
Still in education
42
53
5
INFORMED ABOUT THE EU
The opinions of men were more
informed
35
37
28
polarised than those of women, but on
not informed
17
61
22
balance both genders tended to feel
consistently favourable
mixed
more negatively towards the EU and
consistently unfavourable
the UK’s membership (men: 27%,
page 12
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
women: 19%) than positively (men: 25%, women: 16%). Those living in the UK’s metropolitan areas
were somewhat more favourable towards the EU and the UK’s membership (27% vs. 20% on average
in the UK), and manual workers were generally more positive (28% vs. 19%-20% among other
occupational groups).
Respondents’ self-perceived level of information about the EU (which, as we saw in section 1.1 shows
a strong correlation with level of education) has a clear relation to their consistency of opinion about
the EU: i.e. those who felt they knew quite a lot or a great deal about the EU were more than twice as
likely to have a consistently favourable opinion about the EU’s image and the benefits of membership
than those who said they know nothing at all or only a little about the EU (35% and 17%,
respectively). The same is true for those with consistently negative opinions: 28% of those who felt
informed and 22% of uninformed respondents provided a consistently negative answer to this
question. Overall, self-evaluated familiarity with EU matters goes along with a higher appreciation of
the EU and the UK’s membership: within the informed group the consistently positive answers
outscored the consistently negative ones (35% vs. 28%). Among those who felt uninformed the
consistently negative responses outnumbered the positive ones (22% vs. 17%).
page 13
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
2.2 Participation in the European parliamentary elections
It is reliably assumed in survey research that respondents tend to over-report their participation in
elections. Over-reporting also increases with the time elapsed since the last election. Just under half
(48%) of the UK public “remembered”
Intention to participate in the next European
that they voted in 2004 at the previous
parliamentary election on June 4th
European elections, whereas the actual
turnout was significantly lower (38.9%).
Definitely will
46
In this survey, 46% said they would
Most probably will
24
definitely vote in the 2009 European
Most probably not
10
election. Projected participation rates
are, as indicated above, generally
Definitely not
13
exaggerated in comparison with post-
I was not aware of the elections
1
election polls; these results alone,
therefore, cannot be used to predict the
Not eligible to vote
3
actual voter turnout.6
DK/NA
3
What is clear from the results is that
Q21. Do you intend to vote in the next European parliamentary
those who felt informed about the EU
election on June 4th?
%, Base: all respondents
(know quite a lot or a great deal about its
policies and institutions) were far less likely to say that they would abstain from the election (67% in
this group stated that they would “definitely” vote versus 42% of the uninformed group).
Will definitely
Those with a consistently negative view
vote, 2009
about the EU and the benefits of the UK’s
INFORMED ABOUT THE EU
membership were the most motivated to
informed
67
vote in the election (59%), slightly over
not informed
42
the corresponding share of “consistent”
supporters of the EU (56%). Those with a
STANCE TOWARDS THE EU
“mixed” opinion about the EU were less
consistently favourable
56
likely by far to indicate that they would
mixed
38
actually vote.
consistently unfavourable
59
6 In fact, 34,7% turned out to vote in the UK, see http://www.elections2009-results.eu/en/turnout_en.html
page 14
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
3. The UK’s contribution to the EU
The UK pays in more than it directly receives from the EU budget. In 2007,
this difference was 0.21% of Gross National Income (GNI).
When asked to estimate the UK’s net contribution to the EU budget, only 6%
of respondents said it was below 3%. On average, respondents estimated
that the UK transferred, annually, 23% of GNI to the EU. Just under half of
respondents (48%) did not or could not answer.
Politically, 44% felt that the UK had a lot or a fair amount of influence on
the way EU laws are made. Half (51%), on the other hand, felt that the UK
had little or very little influence.
A controversial area where lack of information has been evident is the level of the UK’s contribution
to the EU’s decision-making and its budget. This section looks at the public’s perceptions of the UK’s
role in: a) financing the EU and b) the EU’s legislation-making process.
3.1 Financial contribution
The UK pays an annual contribution to the EU on the basis of the rules laid out in the 2007-2013
multi-annual budget framework. In 2007, the UK’s contribution to the EU budget was slightly over
0.5% of the UK’s Gross National Income (GNI). The contribution - as determined in euros - is set to
rise in the 2007-2013 period, and the recent exchange rate changes between the pound and the euro
makes a further increase in the UK’s annual contribution inevitable.7 However, even considering these
factors, the annual contribution will be around 1% of GNI. The UK, despite the existing rebate system
that channels some of its contributions directly back to the national budget, has a negative net position
in the EU, meaning that it pays in more than it directly receives from the EU budget. In 2007, this
difference amounted to about 0.21% of GNI.8
Public perception, however, is not even close. In the first place, roughly half (48%) of the British
respondents admitted that they simply do not know how much, compared to the GNI, the UK
contributes to the EU budget. (The relative majority in this group felt that the economic costs of
membership exceeded the benefits: 38% -
Percentage of the UK’s gross national income that
although such economic effects may
goes towards the EU budget
indeed go well beyond the direct
payments). Only 6% of respondents
0-3 %
6
estimated the UK’s contribution at below
4-5 %'
8
3%, and only 25 of the 1,000 interviewees
put this figure in the 0-1% range. The
6-10 %
11
anticipated average proportion of the
11-20 %
9
UK’s national income transferred to
21-40 %
the EU was a stunning 23%; this shows
9
that the average citizen does not seem to
41-100 %
10
understand such figures. Even the most
DK/NA
48
educated (graduate level respondents)
estimated the UK’s contribution to the
Q6. How much percent of the UK's gross national
income do you think goes towards the EU budget?
EU budget to be about 12% of GNI and
%, Base: all respondents
38% of them did not reply (see Annex
Table 10).
7 See, for example here: http://www.global-vision.net/perspectives11.asp
8 The figures are available at: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/library/publications/fin_reports/fin_report_07_data.xls
the last two rows show the net contribution by Member State
page 15
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
The UK’s contribution was overestimated to a greater extent by the groups that expressed consistently
unfavourable views about the EU and the UK’s membership: 33% estimated the amount to be over
10% of the UK’s national income and 7% thought it was below 3% – among EU supporters these
proportions were 29% and 13%, respectively. Roughly one in eight (13%) of those who felt informed
about EU matters thought that the UK’s contribution was below 3% of GNI.
3.2 Political contribution
Through various established channels, all EU Member States participate in the decision-making
processes that affect fundamental EU policies. The public is divided in its perceptions of the UK’s
influence on EU decision-making: 44% felt that the UK had a lot (11%) or a fair amount of influence
(33%) on the way EU laws are made. Half (51%),
on the other hand, felt that the UK had little
Influence of the UK government on EU
(28%) or very little (23%) influence. Considering
legislation
the difference in the extreme values as well as the
nominal difference between the two sides, the
5
11
dominant perception is that the UK does not have
a major influence on EU decision-making.
A lot
23
A fair amount
Those who were most content with the UK’s role
in EU decision-making (stating that it either has a
Little
33
lot or a fair amount of say in how EU laws are
Very little
formulated) were found among the youngest
respondents (15-24: 59%), the most educated
DK/NA
28
(51%) and those living in metropolitan zones
(52%). It is interesting that the opinions of those
who felt they were informed about EU matters
Q8. According to you, how much say has the UK
and those who did not were relatively similar:
government in the way that EU laws are made ...?
%, Base: all respondents
50% in the former and 43% in the latter group felt
that the UK had at least a fair amount of influence on how EU laws are made. The gap is, on the other
hand, considerable if we compare attitudinal groups defined by their stance towards the EU. Those
with consistently positive views about the EU were almost four times as likely to agree that the UK
has its fair share in shaping the acquis (80%) compared to those who were consistently sceptical
(24%).
In fact, when UK citizens are confronted with a media report saying the EU or “Brussels” “controls” a
particular policy area, some of them
"Brussels-controlled" policies
believe that the UK has or has had no
say at all in how these policies are
3
developed:
one
in
five
survey
respondents were of this opinion. For
20
The UK government has some
this 20%, such media reports conjure
say in the way EU laws are made
up a completely independent “EU”
decision-making process that develops
The UK government has no say
laws that apply to the UK as an EU
in the way EU laws are made
Member State. However, over three-
DK/NA
quarters (77%) of respondents assumed
77
– correctly – that the UK must have
had at least some say in developing EU
legislation (3% did not know or could
Q19. When you read or hear in the media that the EU or
Brussels”controls” certain policy areas, what does this mean to you:
not answer this question).
%, Base: all respondents
The perception that the UK has no say
in “Brussels-controlled” policies was most widespread among the least educated (37%) and those aged
55+ (28%). See Annex Table 28.
page 16
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
There was little difference in this perception between the groups that felt informed or uninformed
about EU matters: 21% and 20%, respectively, thought that EU policies are made independently of the
UK. The difference was, on the other hand, rather dramatic in the segments as defined by their attitude
to the EU: 40% of eurosceptics felt that UK interests are not represented in Brussels-controlled
policies, whereas only 4% thought so in the group that had a consistently favourable opinion about the
EU and British membership.
As the cross analysis below suggests, a rather large proportion of those who felt the UK had more than
“very little” say in shaping EU policies still believed that that “Brussels-controlled” policies had no
inputs from the British government (45%). It is also remarkable, that 15% of those who were aware
that Brussels-based policies must have included British opinion felt that the UK influence on EU
decision is very limited.
In "Brussels-controlled" policies… (Q19)
The UK
The UK
government has
government
no say in the
has some say
Influence the UK government has in the way
way EU laws
in the way EU
EU laws are made (Q8)
are made
laws are made
DK/NA
Very little
55
15
24
Little or
29
29
21
A fair amount
10
40
18
A lot
6
12
6
DK/NA
1
4
30
Total
100
100
100
When asked, the majority of respondents agreed that if they knew that the UK had a role in shaping
the EU’s regulatory policies, they would be more positive about the country’s EU membership.
Almost two-thirds (62%) provided such an answer. Roughly one in seven (14%) would not change his
or her opinion about membership, and
22% would be even more critical about
If the UK government had influence on all EU
the UK’s participation in the EU.
legislation, that would make you feel ...
As Annex Table 13 shows, the majority
2
in each of the various segments stated
14
More positive about UK
that their opinion would change for the
membership of the EU
better upon learning that the UK was
Less positive about UK
involved in all EU decisions. Even so, the
membership of the EU
other replies revealed some intriguing
22
details. Very significant minorities of the
Would not change, feel the
62
same way
oldest respondent group (aged 55 or over:
29%) and, in particular, the least educated
DK/NA
(36%) claimed that they would become
more critical towards the EU if the UK
was always involved in the EU’s
Q9. If we told you that the UK government always has a say in
the way EU laws are made, would it make you feel:
decision-making process.
%, Base: all respondents
Those who claimed to be informed about
EU matters were more likely to indicate that their opinion would not change in the light of this
information (informed: 21% vs. uniformed: 13%, presumably because they were already more aware
of the multilateral nature of EU decision-making), but they were slightly more likely to become more
critical (24% vs. 21%) and certainly less likely to change their views in a positive direction (53% vs.
64%).
page 17
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Another important detail is that those who expressed consistently unfavourable opinions towards the
EU and the UK’s EU membership became most critical – relatively speaking, compared to those who
did not have such attitude – when they learnt about consistent UK participation in EU decision-making
(36% indicated that they became even less positive about the UK’s membership). They were also far
more likely than others to indicate that their opinion would not change (21% vs. 12% of all others) if
they learnt about this feature of EU-level legislation (while those already being positive became
mostly “more positive”, 80%, based on this information).
As the table below hints, more of those people who believed that “Brussels-controlled” policies are
made without UK involvement (many of them being eurosceptics) changed their stance towards UK
membership in a more negative direction when they learnt that these decisions do not lack a UK
contribution.
In "Brussels-controlled" policies… (Q19)
The UK
The UK
government has
government
no say in the
has some say
way EU laws
in the way EU
When told that the UK has a say… (Q9)
are made
laws are made
DK/NA
Would not change, feel the same way
13
15
9
Less positive about UK membership of the EU
46
17
44
More positive about UK membership of the EU
39
67
31
DK/NA
2
1
16
Total
100
100
100
Even so, the results should be read with caution; self-proclaimed future “changes” do not always
directly translate into reality. When looking at the actual difference in EU support in conjunction with
the belief that the UK always has a say in EU regulation-making, the relationship is fairly evident:
those who believe that the UK has no say in the way the EU laws are made were much more likely to
provide consistently unfavourable views on the EU and the UK’s membership (48% vs. 21% among
those who knew that British interests are directly represented in all decisions). However this
relationship – as the results summarised in the table above suggest – may not work the same way
among those who currently believe that EU decisions are made independently of UK involvement.
This group seems to possess a specific attitude, or general disposition, rather than an actual lack of
information as to exactly how decisions are made – it is not the information, but a certain empathy
with “Europe” that seems to be missing.
In "Brussels-controlled" policies… (Q19)
The UK
The UK
government has
government
no say in the
has some say
way EU laws
in the way EU
Stance towards the EU (Q1&Q6)
are made
laws are made
DK/NA
consistently favourable
4
23
3
mixed
48
56
84
consistently unfavourable
48
21
13
Total
100
100
100
page 18
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
4. EU policies affecting the UK
Most respondents acknowledged that the EU had a role in tackling some of
the most pressing topical issues – each of them having clear international
dimensions (70%).
Presented with areas where EU membership could be beneficial, a
convincing majority agreed on these benefits: the single market (67%), a
cleaner environment (58%), more weight in trade negotiations (58%). They
were least convinced about improved working conditions (49%).
Most interviewees would care (at least a bit) if any of these benefits were
lost, e.g. by not being a member of the EU. Roughly one in six (16%),
though, would not mind losing these benefits if the UK were not a member of
the EU.
This section discusses UK respondents’ understanding about some specific EU policy areas and its
role in combating topical problems.
4.1 The EU’s role in certain policy areas
Most citizens in the UK acknowledge that the EU has a role in tackling some of the most pressing
topical issues – each of them having clear international dimensions.
The Union’s role was most widely
acknowledged in the protection of human
EU has a role in tackling various issues
rights (85% felt that the EU had a role), in
tackling
climate
change
(81%),
in
The protection of human rights
85
countering international terrorism (79%)
and dealing with the financial crisis
Climate change
81
(78%). Three-quarters thought the EU had
Global terrorism
79
a role to play in tackling global poverty
and 72% in preserving the security of
The financial crisis
78
energy supplies.
Global poverty
76
As evident from Annex Table 19, each
The security of energy supplies
72
broad socio-demographic and attitudinal
segment of British society – including the
Q12. Which of the following issues do you feel the EU
most
committed
eurosceptics
–
has a role in tackling?
% of ”The EU has a role” shown
overwhelmingly believe that the EU has a
Base: all respondents
role in dealing with these key problems.
Looking at the perceptions of specific benefits citizens may attribute to the EU, most Britons
confirmed that EU citizens have the right to free movement across Member States – i.e. that they have
the right to travel and to study in any other EU country (85%). One in 10 respondents (11%) believed
that this is not the case and 5% had no opinion on this matter. At least three-quarters of respondents
(77%) in each broad socio-demographic segment felt that free movement across Member States (at
least as far as movement not related to work is concerned) is now a reality in the EU. (See Annex
Table 7.)
page 19
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Over two-thirds of respondents believed that the EU has “very strict” food safety standards; about a
quarter of those interviewed did not believe so (24%) and 7% did not have an opinion or did not reply
to this question. This statement was the least accepted by those who were consistently critical towards
the EU and the UK’s
membership (34%), but
True or false?
even in this group the vast
True
False
DK/NA
majority agreed that this
is indeed the case (58%;
All EU citizens have the right to travel to, or
84
11 5
study in another EU country
the respective proportions
among
those
who
The EU has very strict food-safety standards
69
24
7
consistently
favoured
membership were 13%
Mobile phone roaming charges have
54
26
20
and 85%). See Annex
decreased for anyone travelling within the EU
Table 9.
Q5. I will now list a series of statements. For each one, please tell
me if you think they are true or false?
Just over half (54%) of
%, Base: all respondents
the British public were
aware that an EU law introduced in the summer of 2007 capped cross-border roaming tariffs in the
EU. A quarter of respondents believed, or felt, that roaming charges had not decreased (26%) and 20%
could not tell if this statement was true or false. In January 2007, the awareness of the planned EU
action to cap mobile roaming charges in the EU was known by 50% of UK respondents.9 As Annex
Table 8 shows, 39% of 15-24 year-olds and 34% of manual workers thought that this statement was
false. The majority, however, in each broad segment, confirmed that this was a true statement,
including the most sceptical respondents.
4.2 UK relevance of specific EU policies
The survey asked respondents if they had heard of some “signature” initiatives of the EU, such as the
various water quality monitoring systems (Blue Flag, Bathing Water Report, etc.), the European
Health Insurance Card and the European Arrest Warrant. Each of these initiatives has involved EU-
level coordinated action by Member States.
Britons were most familiar with the European Health Insurance Card that allows citizens to receive
medical treatment in any other EU country: 54% had heard of the Card prior to the survey. Awareness
of this instrument was higher among women (57% vs. 52% of men), the youngest respondents (15-24
year-olds: 62%), the most educated (59%) and citizens in large urban centres (59%). Those who felt
informed about the EU were consistently more aware of each initiative, i.e. 71% had heard about the
European Health Insurance Card as opposed to 51% of those who felt generally uninformed about EU
matters. Similarly, each initiative
Awareness of initiatives
was more known to people who
claimed they would vote in the
The European Health Insurance Card
54
forthcoming European elections;
for the Health Insurance Card,
The Blue Flag Guide
41
60% of this group were aware
versus 54% on average. Those
The European Arrest Warrant
18
with
consistently
favourable
opinions about the EU and the
The Bathing Water Report
16
UK’s membership were also more
likely to state that they had heard
Q2. Have you heard of any of the following?
%, Base: all respondents
of the European Health Insurance
Card (65%) compared to those
with consistently unfavourable opinions (55%) and especially compared to those with “mixed” views
towards the EU and the country’s membership (50%). See Annex Table 2.
9 see Flash Eurobarometer 203 -- http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl203_en.pdf
page 20
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
The Blue Flag Guide was known by 41% of interviewees (The Blue Flag is an eco-label for beaches
in Europe and beyond, awarded on the basis of regularly monitored cleanliness of water and eco-
friendliness of the beaches’ facilities). The Blue Flag Guide was also better known among women
(43% vs. 39% of men), but in this case it was the middle-aged respondents who were most familiar
with it (40-54 years-old: 55%). The level of awareness did not vary with the level of education: those
with the lowest level of education were essentially as aware of the initiative as those with the highest
level (47% and 48%, respectively). Also, those in rural areas were more aware of the Blue Flag label
(46%) than those in the more urban locations (35% in metropolitan areas). Considering the attitudes
towards the EU, the Blue Flag Guide was best known among those with consistently unfavourable
opinions (57%) about the EU and the UK’s membership. In January 2007, the UK’s familiarity level
of both the Bathing Water Report and the Blue Flag Guide was 50%10. However, at the time, the
survey combined both initiatives in a single question.
The Bathing Water Report (16%) and the European Arrest Warrant (18%) were only known to a
minority in the UK. There was no segment where either of these two initiatives was familiar to more
than a quarter of those interviewed. The only exceptions were those who felt informed about the EU in
general: 26% of this group indicated that they had heard about the Bathing Water Report and as many
as 40% were aware of the European Arrest Warrant (that ensures speedy extradition of suspects across
EU Member States).
Importance of the initiatives’ benefits
Very important
Important
Not important
Not important at all
DK/NA
The European Health Insurance Card, that allows
citizens to receive medical treatment in any other EU
65
25
6 3
country
The Bathing Water Report and Blue Flag Guide,
which inform people about the safety and cleanliness
41
39
13
6
standards of Europe's beaches
The European Arrest Warrant, that helps suspects to
40
36
12
6
be extradited more speedily to the UK
Q3. How important are the benefits of these initiatives for you: very important,
important, not important or not important at all?
%, Base: all respondents
Respondents were, moreover, asked how important the above initiatives were for them. Overall, the
majority of the UK public overwhelmingly rated the EU initiatives in each of the three areas as
important or very important. This was especially true for the Health Insurance Card: 65% of UK
respondents felt that this was a very
EU initiatives make you feel ...
important initiative “for them”, and a
further quarter (25%) stated that they
3
considered this as “important”. The EU-
More positive about the
coordinated
beach
water
quality
19
European Union
monitoring (on which the Bathing Water
Less positive about the
Report and the Blue Flag Guide informs
European Union
citizens) was considered to be at least
important by 80%, and 41% answered that
The same way about the
18
60
European Union
this was a very important initiative. The
results were almost identical when it came
DK/NA
to the European Arrest Warrant: 76% felt
that such cooperation in crime prosecution
across Member States is important, and
Q4. Does the fact that these initiatives have been initiated and
40% stated that this is indeed a very
developed by the European Union make you feel...
%, Base: all respondents
important achievement.
10 see Flash Eurobarometer 203 -- http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl203_en.pdf
page 21
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
In theory, awareness of such initiatives and the EU’s role in their development should improve
respondents’ attitudes towards the EU. Six in 10 (60%) answered that the EU’s role in initiating and
developing the above-mentioned initiatives made them feel more positively about the EU, 19% were
left unmoved and 18% felt such EU initiatives weakened their opinion of the EU (3% did not answer
this question).
Broad socio-demographic segments where the EU’s input in these initiatives allegedly improved
attitudes towards the EU the most included: women (65% vs. 56% of men were more positive), those
aged 24 and under (78% vs. 48% of those aged 55 and over) and those with higher levels of education
(average level of education: 64% vs. 40% of those with the lowest level). See Annex Table 6.
If we look at current evidence, whether or not those who are currently aware of any of the four
initiatives have a better opinion about the EU and the UK’s membership, the results are not as
unidirectional as the above findings would suggest. In fact, those who were not aware of any initiative
were the least likely to express a consistently negative stance towards the EU and the UK’s
membership (20%) and those who were aware of at least two of them were most consistently critical
(31%). (However, it was not clear – but it would be plausible– that those aware of these initiatives
would have been at the same time aware of their European context as well.) The fact that the
proportion of consistent supporters also increases with the awareness of the tested initiatives (and
inconsistent opinions decrease sharply) suggests that those who are better informed may have a more
consistent but not necessarily more positive view about the EU and the UK’s membership.
Awareness of policy initiatives (Q2a-d)
aware of
aware of
aware of at
more than
Stance towards the EU (Q1&Q6)
none
least one
one
consistently favourable
15
15
23
mixed
66
59
46
consistently unfavourable
20
26
31
Total
100
100
100
page 22
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
4.3 Benefits of the EU membership
The survey tested four areas where citizens might see a benefit of the UK belonging to the EU:
consumer benefits (the Single Market), a cleaner environment (though community-level standards), a
stronger voice in global trade negotiations and improved working conditions due to community-level
regulations being applied in the UK.
Being part of the EU means that ...
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
DK/NA
UK consumers benefit from the free movement of
15
52
17
9
8
goods resulting from the European Single Market
There is a cleaner environment
15
43
25
10 6
The UK has more say in global trade negotiations
14
44
22
10
10
There are improved working conditions in the UK
14
35
30
16
6
Q10. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that ...?
%, Base: all respondents
In most instances, citizens generally agreed that each of these might be a benefit of EU membership.
Two-thirds of Britons agreed that they benefited from the single market; while three in five thought
that the environment was cleaner and that the UK got a bigger say in global trade talks thanks to the
EU. British citizens were least convinced about improvements in working conditions: those who felt
that membership of the EU had contributed to improving working conditions in the UK (49%) only
outscored the opposing camp (46%) by a small margin. In the other three areas, a convincing majority
agreed that belonging to the EU had brought benefits (consumer benefits: 67%, a cleaner environment:
58%, more weight in trading negotiations: 58%).
Benefits to the consumer due to the European Single Market are clearly seen by the majority in each
socio-demographic and attitudinal segment; this is the aspect where even those who otherwise have a
consistently unfavourable opinion on the EU and the UK’s membership were mostly agreed (50%, see
the summary table below and Annex Table 14 for detailed results). The perception that consumers
were benefiting was exceptionally high in the youngest segment (15-24 year-olds: 81%), among the
most educated (78%) and in large cities (72%). Those who felt informed about the EU were more
likely to confirm such benefits (74%) than those who knew only a little or nothing about EU matters –
which is generally true for all benefits tested.
Improved working conditions in the UK were seen as a benefit of EU membership by, in particular,
manual workers (61%), the most educated (56%), 25-39 year-olds (58%) and people in towns (57%).
The least likely to agree were rural dwellers (45%), those aged 54 or over (42%) and the least
educated (37%). Those who were consistently favourable about the EU and the UK’s membership
were roughly three times as likely to perceive such benefits (77%) as those who were consistently
critical (24%). See Annex Table 15.
Similar patterns emerged when it came to environmental benefits as well as the UK’s role in global
trade negotiations: the majority in all socio-demographic segments saw advantages. The most
enthusiastic were the youngest, metropolitan citizens and the most educated. Only those with a
consistently negative opinion about the EU and the UK’s membership had a majority seeing no
advantages in these areas (36% and 32% respectively). See Annex Tables 16-17.
page 23
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Benefits of the EU membership
Benefits exist (% strongly agree + agree)
consumer
working
global trade
benefits
conditions
environment
negotiations
TOTAL
67
49
59
59
GENDER
Male
69
49
62
59
Female
64
49
56
58
AGE
15 – 24
81
52
75
84
25 – 39
70
58
58
65
40 – 54
67
48
57
56
55 +
58
42
54
46
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
47
37
52
41
16 – 20
64
49
57
56
20 +
78
56
61
68
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
72
57
68
66
Urban
64
48
57
57
Rural
66
45
58
57
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
66
48
50
48
Employee
69
49
58
61
Manual worker
66
61
73
52
Not working
65
49
60
59
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL OF EU INFORMATION
Informed
74
61
62
60
Not informed
65
46
58
58
ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
90
77
84
84
Mixed
65
49
59
60
Consistently unfavourable
50
24
36
32
page 24
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Most of those interviewed would care (at least a bit) if any of the above benefits were lost, e.g. by not
being a member of the EU. Over a third of those interviewed would care greatly if any of these
benefits were lost, and 45% would
care a bit. Roughly one in six (16%)
If the UK was not in the EU ...
would not mind losing these benefits
if the UK left the EU.
3
As Annex Table 18 shows, the
16
I would care greatly if we lost one
or more of these benefits
overwhelming
majority
in
each
36
attitudinal and socio-demographic
I would care a bit if we lost one
segment would care a bit at least if
or more of these benefits
any of these benefits were lost, should
I wouldn't care if we lost any of
the UK no longer be a member of the
these benefits
EU. Even among those who are
DK/NA
consistently critical of the EU and the
45
UK’s membership, only 28% would
not mind if these benefits were lost.
Q11. If we were not in the EU and were unable to secure a free-trade
But the proportion of those who
agreement with it, which of the following best describes your opinion?
%, Base: all respondents
would
greatly
care
if
these
advantages disappeared varied significantly across the various socio-demographic segments.
Generally, those segments that were most in agreement that such benefits of EU membership exist
would be most concerned if these were lost: the youngest (aged 15-24: 44%), metropolitan citizens
(45%), the most educated respondents (46%) and manual workers (48%) would greatly care if these
benefits were forfeit. Over half (53%) of those who thought they knew a lot or a great deal about the
EU would be really sorry as opposed to a third (33%) of those who felt uninformed about EU matters.
Finally, there is a very sharp difference across the groups created according to the respondents’ stance
towards the EU in general; two-thirds of those who were consistently favourable to the EU and the
UK’s membership would greatly care if these benefits were lost (67%), a view shared by just over a
third (35%) of those with “mixed” views about the EU and 13% of those who expressed consistently
critical opinions.
page 25
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Flash EB Series #274
Attitudes towards
the EU in the
United Kingdom
Annex
tables and
survey
details
THE GALLUP ORGANISATION
page 26
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
List of tables
Table 1. Attitudes toward the European Union ................................................................................. 29
Table 2. Awareness of initiatives ...................................................................................................... 30
Table 3. Importance of the European Health Insurance Card ........................................................... 31
Table 4. Importance of the Bathing Water Report and Blue Flag Guide .......................................... 32
Table 5. Importance of the European Arrest Warrant ....................................................................... 33
Table 6. EU initiatives make you feel ... ........................................................................................... 34
Table 7. All EU citizens have the right to travel to, or study in, another EU country ....................... 35
Table 8. Mobile phone roaming charges have decreased for anyone travelling within
the EU .................................................................................................................................. 36
Table 9. The EU has very strict food-safety standards ...................................................................... 37
Table 10. Percentage of the UK’s gross national income that goes towards the EU
budget .................................................................................................................................. 38
Table 11. Economic costs vs. benefits of being in the EU .................................................................. 39
Table 12. Influence of the UK government on EU legislation ............................................................ 40
Table 13. If the UK government had influence on all EU legislation, that would make
you feel ... ............................................................................................................................ 41
Table 14. Being part of the EU means that UK consumers benefit from the free
movement of goods resulting from the European Single Market ........................................ 42
Table 15. Being part of the EU means that there are improved working conditions in the
UK ....................................................................................................................................... 43
Table 16. Being part of the EU means that there is a cleaner environment ........................................ 44
Table 17. Being part of the EU means that the UK has more say in global trade
negotiations ......................................................................................................................... 45
Table 18. If the UK was not in the EU ... ............................................................................................ 46
Table 19. EU has a role in tackling various issues .............................................................................. 47
Table 20. Perception of the British television ..................................................................................... 48
Table 21. Perception of the British radio ............................................................................................. 49
Table 22. Perception of the British press ............................................................................................. 50
Table 23. Awareness of the EU, its policies and institutions .............................................................. 51
Table 24. Information available on the EU is simple and clear .......................................................... 52
Table 25. Interest in receiving more information about the EU .......................................................... 53
Table 26. If more simple and clear information on the EU were available ......................................... 54
Table 27. Responsibility for keeping citizens informed about the EU and its decisions .................... 55
Table 28. "Brussels-controlled" policies ............................................................................................. 56
Table 29. Participation in the last European parliamentary election in 2004 ...................................... 57
Table 30. Intention to participate in the next European parliamentary election .................................. 58
page 27
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
5. Annex tables
Table 1. Attitudes toward the European Union
QUESTION: Q1. In general, do you have rather a positive or negative image of the European Union?
% Neither
positive, nor
% Rather
% Rather
Total N
negative
negative
positive
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
16.9
40.3
37
5.8
SEX
Male
486
14.1
44.2
37.8
3.9
Female
514
19.6
36.6
36.2
7.5
AGE
15 – 24
146
19.2
22
47.2
11.6
25 – 39
239
25.9
25.2
43.3
5.6
40 – 54
274
15.6
46
34.4
4
55 +
323
11
53.6
30.7
4.7
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
14.6
59.7
19.5
6.2
16 – 20
491
19.4
44.9
29.1
6.6
20 +
246
13.4
28
55.4
3.2
Still in education
92
18.5
12.9
60.3
8.3
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
17.8
32.4
46.8
3.1
Urban
439
19.9
38.9
35.4
5.8
Rural
356
13.4
45.8
34.2
6.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
16.5
38.8
40.5
4.3
Employee
469
17.9
38.5
38.6
5
Manual worker
32
15.3
36.5
45
3.3
Not working
410
16.3
42.8
34
6.8
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
12.1
46.5
38.6
2.8
No
408
21.3
38.2
33.1
7.5
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
24.4
44.8
22.3
8.5
Most probably not
95
25.6
52.7
18
3.8
Most probably will
240
19.8
29.8
43.8
6.6
Definitely will
463
10.6
44.8
41
3.6
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
7.2
37.1
52.5
3.3
Not informed
826
18.9
41.1
33.7
6.3
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
0
0
100
0
Mixed
568
29.8
30.9
29.1
10.1
Consistently unfavourable
227
0
100
0
0
page 29
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 2. Awareness of initiatives
QUESTION: Q2_A-D. Have you heard of any of the following?
% of “Yes” shown
The European
The Bathing
The European
Health
Water
The Blue
Arrest
Total N
Insurance Card
Report
Flag Guide
Warrant
TOTAL
1000
54.1
15.8
40.6
17.6
SEX
Male
486
51.5
15.7
38.6
23.4
Female
514
56.5
15.9
42.5
12.1
AGE
15 – 24
146
62.4
10
8.7
17.9
25 – 39
239
50
11.3
27.4
10.1
40 – 54
274
61
16.7
54.8
21.7
55 +
323
46.5
20.1
51.3
18.8
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
36.5
15.3
47
15.3
16 – 20
491
54.1
15.8
40.7
16.6
20 +
246
58.7
18.2
47.7
20.2
Still in education
92
72.1
8.8
9.2
20.2
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
58.5
12.8
35.1
23.7
Urban
439
51.9
15.4
38.9
14.7
Rural
356
53.1
17.1
46.1
17.2
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
56.7
21.5
47
24.5
Employee
469
58.4
14.8
41.5
17.4
Manual worker
32
47.1
12.8
60.2
13.1
Not working
410
48.8
15.7
36.8
16.7
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
61
20.3
51.2
22.7
No
408
44.3
11.6
32.7
12.4
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
38.8
9.3
26.7
11.1
Most probably not
95
46.8
9.7
34.8
9.7
Most probably will
240
55.3
17.6
38.7
14.7
Definitely will
463
60.1
18.8
50.4
24.5
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
71
26
59.3
39.9
Not informed
826
50.5
13.6
36.6
13
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
65.1
20.1
40.5
25.7
Mixed
568
49.9
11.8
34.3
12.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
54.7
21.8
56.5
22.3
page 30
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 3. Importance of the European Health Insurance Card
QUESTION: Q3_A. How important are the benefits of these initiatives for you: very important, important, not
important or not important at all? - The European Health Insurance Card, that allows citizens to receive medical
treatment in any other EU country
% Not
important
% Not
%
% Very
%
Total N
at all
important
Important
important
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
3.4
6.3
24.9
64.8
0.6
SEX
Male
486
4.3
6.5
27.9
60.7
0.6
Female
514
2.6
6
22
68.7
0.7
AGE
15 – 24
146
0
0
24.9
75.1
0
25 – 39
239
3.4
7.3
25
63.8
0.5
40 – 54
274
3.2
5.8
23.6
66.7
0.8
55 +
323
5.1
7.7
26.3
60.2
0.8
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
6.8
12.5
26.5
52.7
1.5
16 – 20
491
2.8
4.5
26.2
65.9
0.6
20 +
246
3.5
6.5
23.7
65.9
0.5
Still in education
92
1.3
0
18.7
80
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
2.3
6.3
24.7
66.8
0
Urban
439
4
6.6
23
65.2
1.3
Rural
356
3.5
5.2
26.9
64.2
0.2
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
2.7
12
20.6
64.6
0
Employee
469
2.5
5.3
26.2
65.9
0.2
Manual worker
32
0
10.5
37.5
48.3
3.7
Not working
410
5
5.2
23
65.8
1
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
3.9
6.9
24
64.8
0.5
No
408
3.6
6.6
27.2
61.8
0.8
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
6
9.4
29.5
54.7
0.4
Most probably not
95
2.7
6.9
30.4
58.4
1.6
Most probably will
240
2.3
3.1
30.2
63.1
1.3
Definitely will
463
3.6
6.7
20
69.5
0.2
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
3.5
4.9
24.8
66.7
0
Not informed
826
3.4
6.6
24.8
64.4
0.8
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
0.9
2.7
18.6
77.9
0
Mixed
568
3.3
6
26.2
63.7
0.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
6.1
10.2
27
56
0.8
page 31
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 4. Importance of the Bathing Water Report and Blue Flag Guide
QUESTION: Q3_B. How important are the benefits of these initiatives for you: very important, important, not
important or not important at all? - The Bathing Water Report and Blue Flag Guide, which inform people about the
safety and cleanliness standards of Europe's beaches
% Not
important
% Not
%
% Very
%
Total N
at all
important
Important
important
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
5.5
12.6
39
41.4
1.5
SEX
Male
486
8.2
15.2
41.1
34.5
1
Female
514
3
10.1
37.1
47.9
1.9
AGE
15 – 24
146
5.5
10.9
39.3
41.6
2.7
25 – 39
239
4.9
14.3
46
34.3
0.5
40 – 54
274
4.1
13.3
39.8
41.6
1.2
55 +
323
6.4
10.4
33.8
47.5
1.9
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
5
9.2
34.5
49
2.3
16 – 20
491
5
13
37.5
43
1.5
20 +
246
5.9
12.2
44.9
35.6
1.3
Still in education
92
5.6
14.4
43.4
36.6
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
6.2
14.9
38.3
40.6
0
Urban
439
5.2
12.7
41.7
38.5
1.9
Rural
356
5.1
9.8
37.2
46
1.8
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
8.7
18
34.9
37.2
1.2
Employee
469
4.5
11.2
44.8
37.5
1.9
Manual worker
32
0
14.7
37.3
48.1
0
Not working
410
6.1
12.4
34
46.4
1.2
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
5.9
11.6
38.7
42.7
1.1
No
408
5.5
15.5
38.8
38.7
1.5
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
9.2
17.4
36.7
34.2
2.4
Most probably not
95
6
23.5
33
36.5
1
Most probably will
240
2.1
10.1
40.1
46.6
1.1
Definitely will
463
6.2
10.9
38.7
42.7
1.6
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
8.1
11.2
41.2
38.6
0.9
Not informed
826
5
12.9
38.6
42
1.6
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
5
6.2
45.3
42.9
0.6
Mixed
568
4.1
13
37.3
43.7
2
Consistently unfavourable
227
9.6
17.2
37.9
34.4
1
page 32
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 5. Importance of the European Arrest Warrant
QUESTION: Q3_C. How important are the benefits of these initiatives for you: very important, important, not
important or not important at all? - The European Arrest Warrant, that helps suspects to be extradited more speedily
to the UK
% Not
important
% Not
%
% Very
%
Total N
at all
important
Important
important
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
5.5
12.2
36.4
40.1
5.7
SEX
Male
486
8.1
13.4
37.3
39
2.2
Female
514
3.1
11.2
35.6
41.1
9
AGE
15 – 24
146
2.1
16.5
47.9
29.4
4.2
25 – 39
239
6.9
12
34.7
40.3
6
40 – 54
274
4.8
11.1
35.9
45
3.2
55 +
323
6.2
10.4
34
41.5
7.9
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
6.9
9.8
33.6
39.7
10
16 – 20
491
4.6
10
38.7
41.9
4.8
20 +
246
6.6
16.3
30.9
41.4
4.9
Still in education
92
3.3
16
45
31
4.7
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
4.8
15
35
40.4
4.8
Urban
439
5.9
12.2
37.3
39.1
5.6
Rural
356
5.3
10.3
35.8
42.4
6.2
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
10.8
14.7
22.9
47.4
4.3
Employee
469
4.6
12.3
37.6
40
5.6
Manual worker
32
3.8
17.1
26.7
52.4
0
Not working
410
5.4
10.8
39.2
38.5
6
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
6.5
11.2
34.1
43
5.3
No
408
4.9
12.9
38.6
37
6.6
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
10.4
10.6
39.2
31.4
8.4
Most probably not
95
9
20.2
24.4
40.1
6.3
Most probably will
240
5.6
11.1
39.4
37.8
6.1
Definitely will
463
3.9
12.2
34.9
44.9
4.1
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
5.9
8.9
34
45.9
5.4
Not informed
826
5.4
12.9
37
39
5.8
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
1.3
14.8
38
42.7
3.2
Mixed
568
6
12.3
35.4
38.9
7.4
Consistently unfavourable
227
8
9.9
37.7
40.8
3.6
page 33
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 6. EU initiatives make you feel ...
QUESTION: Q4. Does the fact that these initiatives have been initiated and developed by the European Union make
you feel...
% The same
% Less
% More
way about the
positive about
positive about
European
the European
the European
%
Total N
Union
Union
Union
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
18.7
17.5
60.4
3.4
SEX
Male
486
19.6
22.6
55.8
2
Female
514
17.8
12.7
64.7
4.8
AGE
15 – 24
146
11.7
6.8
78.3
3.2
25 – 39
239
18.4
12.3
67.2
2.1
40 – 54
274
20.6
15.5
60.4
3.4
55 +
323
20.6
26.7
48.1
4.6
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
20.7
34.5
40.4
4.4
16 – 20
491
18.9
15.7
61.7
3.7
20 +
246
21.5
12.3
64.3
1.9
Still in education
92
8
7.9
79
5
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
15.3
20.7
61
3
Urban
439
20.2
15.6
60.5
3.7
Rural
356
18.9
18.4
60
2.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
22.1
23.5
52
2.4
Employee
469
21.9
12
63.6
2.6
Manual worker
32
17.2
17.6
57.4
7.8
Not working
410
14.1
22.6
59
4.3
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
19.9
18.4
59.3
2.4
No
408
19.4
18.3
57.3
5
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
22.2
23.6
47.5
6.7
Most probably not
95
22.8
20.7
55.3
1.1
Most probably will
240
13.3
13.2
68.5
4.9
Definitely will
463
20.2
16.8
61
2
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
19.3
19.4
60.3
1
Not informed
826
18.4
17.1
60.5
3.9
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
11.2
3
84.4
1.3
Mixed
568
18.4
14.7
62.1
4.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
26.2
37.4
34.6
1.8
page 34
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 7. All EU citizens have the right to travel to, or study in, another EU country
QUESTION: Q5_A. I will now list a series of statements. For each one, please tell me if you think they are true or
false? - All EU citizens have the right to travel to, or study in, another EU country
Total N
% True
% False
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
84.3
10.7
5
SEX
Male
486
85.5
11.4
3.1
Female
514
83.2
10
6.8
AGE
15 – 24
146
87.2
9.8
3
25 – 39
239
84.2
11.9
4
40 – 54
274
83.6
10.9
5.4
55 +
323
83.8
10.4
5.8
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
76.7
15.3
8
16 – 20
491
82.4
11.7
5.9
20 +
246
89.6
8.3
2.1
Still in education
92
94.9
2.6
2.5
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
81.6
15.2
3.2
Urban
439
83.7
10.2
6.1
Rural
356
87.1
9.1
3.8
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
80.2
12.3
7.5
Employee
469
86.2
11
2.9
Manual worker
32
86.1
10.4
3.5
Not working
410
82.9
10.2
6.9
PARTICIPATED IN THE LAST
EP ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
85.4
10.9
3.7
No
408
81.8
11.5
6.7
INTENTION TO VOTE IN THE
NEXT EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
80.5
9.2
10.3
Most probably not
95
75.8
21.4
2.8
Most probably will
240
85.2
9.5
5.3
Definitely will
463
86.2
10.2
3.7
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL OF
EU INFORMAITON
Informed
173
90.5
6.3
3.2
Not informed
826
83
11.6
5.4
ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE
EU
Consistently favourable
204
94.8
4.4
0.8
Mixed
568
81.2
12.5
6.3
Consistently unfavourable
227
82.8
11.7
5.5
page 35
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 8. Mobile phone roaming charges have decreased for anyone travelling within
the EU
QUESTION: Q5_B. I will now list a series of statements. For each one, please tell me if you think they are true or
false? - Mobile phone roaming charges have decreased for anyone travelling within the EU
Total N
% True
% False
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
54.3
26
19.8
SEX
Male
486
58.5
25.4
16
Female
514
50.2
26.4
23.3
AGE
15 – 24
146
50.1
38.7
11.2
25 – 39
239
63.7
22.5
13.8
40 – 54
274
56.6
26.1
17.3
55 +
323
47.2
22.4
30.4
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
43.7
23.3
33
16 – 20
491
52.8
27
20.2
20 +
246
66.8
17.9
15.3
Still in education
92
49.9
42.2
7.9
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
53.7
28.1
18.2
Urban
439
54.5
23.7
21.8
Rural
356
54.8
26.8
18.4
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
61.9
15.2
22.9
Employee
469
57.5
27.4
15.1
Manual worker
32
56.3
33.8
10
Not working
410
49.6
25.5
24.9
PARTICIPATED IN THE LAST
EP ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
57.4
23.7
18.8
No
408
52.3
28.7
19
INTENTION TO VOTE IN THE
NEXT EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
48.6
33.5
17.8
Most probably not
95
48.5
26.6
24.9
Most probably will
240
58.4
26.5
15.1
Definitely will
463
55.5
22.9
21.7
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL OF
EU INFORMAITON
Informed
173
64.4
22.1
13.5
Not informed
826
52.3
26.8
21
ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE
EU
Consistently favourable
204
68.4
22.1
9.6
Mixed
568
49.3
27.1
23.6
Consistently unfavourable
227
54
26.5
19.5
page 36
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 9. The EU has very strict food-safety standards
QUESTION: Q5_C. I will now list a series of statements. For each one, please tell me if you think they are true or
false? - The EU has very strict food-safety standards
Total N
% True
% False
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
69.1
23.6
7.3
SEX
Male
486
71.6
22.8
5.6
Female
514
66.7
24.4
8.9
AGE
15 – 24
146
72.9
21.2
5.9
25 – 39
239
74.5
18.9
6.6
40 – 54
274
69
27
4
55 +
323
64
24.7
11.3
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
60.6
26.5
12.9
16 – 20
491
66.6
26.6
6.8
20 +
246
74
18.4
7.5
Still in education
92
83.8
15.1
1.1
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
71.4
20.7
7.9
Urban
439
68.4
23.8
7.7
Rural
356
69.1
24.2
6.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
62.3
32.5
5.2
Employee
469
71.4
22.8
5.8
Manual worker
32
83.2
12.9
3.9
Not working
410
66.8
23.2
9.9
PARTICIPATED IN THE LAST
EP ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
71.2
22.6
6.2
No
408
67.5
25.4
7.2
INTENTION TO VOTE IN THE
NEXT EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
68.5
23.1
8.4
Most probably not
95
52.4
43.7
3.8
Most probably will
240
72.8
21.6
5.6
Definitely will
463
70.9
21.9
7.2
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL OF
EU INFORMAITON
Informed
173
71.1
24.7
4.3
Not informed
826
68.6
23.4
8
ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE
EU
Consistently favourable
204
84.5
13
2.5
Mixed
568
68.1
23.2
8.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
57.7
34.3
8
page 37
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 10. Percentage of the UK’s gross national income that goes towards the EU
budget
QUESTION: Q6. How much percent of the UK's gross national income do you think goes towards the EU budget?
% 41-
Total
% 0-3
% 4-5
% 6-10
% 11-20
% 21-40
100
%
N
percent
percent
percent
percent
percent
percent
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
6.3
7.9
10.6
8.7
8.6
9.9
48
SEX
Male
486
9.7
11.3
14.4
11.2
8.2
9.3
36
Female
514
3.1
4.7
7
6.3
9.1
10.6
59.3
AGE
15 – 24
146
5.4
3.1
10.3
10.5
12.5
19.8
38.4
25 – 39
239
5.2
6.5
17
9.5
9.2
3.3
49.3
40 – 54
274
9.1
12.4
10
9.5
7.6
7.2
44.3
55 +
323
4.8
7.8
6.7
6.8
7.8
12.3
53.7
EDUCATION (end
of)
Until 15 years of age
157
2.7
2.7
3.1
5
8.7
17.7
60
16 – 20
491
5
7.5
10.2
8.5
10.4
7.8
50.5
20 +
246
11.1
14.6
17.6
10.3
6.1
2
38.2
Still in education
92
7.3
2.2
5.8
12.7
7
26.2
38.8
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
7.4
8.9
12.3
8.6
6.1
9.9
46.7
Urban
439
6.1
8
11.9
8
11.8
7.2
47
Rural
356
6.1
7.5
8.4
9.8
6.3
12.1
49.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
16
10.5
13.7
10.6
6.4
3.1
39.6
Employee
469
7
9.4
14.5
9.5
8.2
7
44.3
Manual worker
32
0
3.7
7.1
8.2
18.6
14.8
47.6
Not working
410
4.2
6.1
5.9
7.5
8.9
14
53.4
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
6.6
8.9
11.2
9.5
6.8
8.6
48.3
No
408
5.2
7.6
10.4
6.8
10.4
10
49.6
INTENTION TO
VOTE IN THE NEXT
EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
3.5
4.9
8.6
5.9
6.6
11.6
58.9
Most probably not
95
4.7
6.6
12.9
10.3
8.3
7
50.2
Most probably will
240
5.5
8.9
7.6
7.7
8.9
11.9
49.4
Definitely will
463
8
9.3
12.5
9.4
9.2
9
42.7
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
12.8
14.4
7.6
8.9
9.8
10.6
35.9
Not informed
826
5
6.6
11.2
8.6
8.4
9.8
50.4
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
12.7
13.6
16
13.5
8.3
6.9
28.9
Mixed
568
3.9
5.5
8
6.2
7.5
10.5
58.4
Consistently
227
6.5
8.9
12.2
10.4
11.7
11.2
39
unfavourable
page 38
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 11. Economic costs vs. benefits of being in the EU
QUESTION: Q7. In your opinion, do the economic costs of being in the EU exceed the benefits or do the benefits
exceed the cost?
% The
% The benefits
economic
exceed the
costs exceed
economic
% They are
%
Total N
the benefits
costs
in balance
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
40.4
36.5
8.4
14.8
SEX
Male
486
40.9
40.1
7
12.1
Female
514
39.9
33
9.7
17.4
AGE
15 – 24
146
30.1
54.5
10.6
4.8
25 – 39
239
37.2
33.7
9.2
19.9
40 – 54
274
40.3
33
7.7
19
55 +
323
46.8
34.2
7.6
11.4
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
49
26.1
10.1
14.8
16 – 20
491
44.8
28.6
8.3
18.3
20 +
246
33.3
50
6.9
9.7
Still in education
92
23.8
57.3
11.1
7.8
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
31.1
43.6
7.2
18.2
Urban
439
44.9
33.1
8.8
13.2
Rural
356
40.9
35.4
8.8
14.8
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
46.6
31.5
5.7
16.2
Employee
469
40.2
33.9
8.1
17.7
Manual worker
32
34.4
38.8
17.2
9.6
Not working
410
39.9
39.9
8.7
11.6
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
45.3
35.1
7
12.6
No
408
39.4
33
9.9
17.8
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
37.7
34.9
9.7
17.8
Most probably not
95
39.3
23
11.8
25.8
Most probably will
240
38.5
32.1
9.8
19.6
Definitely will
463
42.8
40.8
6.9
9.5
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL
OF EU INFORMAITON
Informed
173
43.2
43.6
7.4
5.8
Not informed
826
39.8
35
8.6
16.5
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
0
100
0
0
Mixed
568
31
28.2
14.7
26
Consistently unfavourable
227
100
0
0
0
page 39
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 12. Influence of the UK government on EU legislation
QUESTION: Q8. According to you, how much say has the UK government in the way that EU laws are made ...?
% Very
% A fair
%
Total N
little
% Little
amount
% A lot
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
23.3
28.3
33.3
10.6
4.5
SEX
Male
486
26.2
28.8
30.3
11.2
3.5
Female
514
20.6
27.9
36.1
10.1
5.4
AGE
15 – 24
146
11.5
22.4
40.2
18.6
7.3
25 – 39
239
15.3
33.1
32.6
12.2
6.8
40 – 54
274
24.3
32.3
32.3
7.3
3.8
55 +
323
32.5
24.5
32.3
8.5
2.3
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
32.2
27.4
28.2
8.1
4.2
16 – 20
491
25.6
30.5
31.6
8.9
3.4
20 +
246
15
28.2
37.9
12.6
6.3
Still in education
92
11.4
22.6
41.2
18.3
6.5
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
20.3
24.1
37.7
14.5
3.3
Urban
439
24.6
28
32.9
8.2
6.4
Rural
356
22.9
30.6
32.3
11.3
2.9
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
23.5
31.6
33
10.5
1.4
Employee
469
21.9
29.3
33.6
10.2
5
Manual worker
32
20.4
34.5
41.8
3.3
0
Not working
410
24.2
26.6
32.9
11.4
4.9
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
28.9
27.3
31.8
9
2.9
No
408
19.4
31.2
33.3
11.6
4.6
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
29.4
32.6
25.2
10
2.9
Most probably not
95
18.8
32.6
30.2
10.5
7.8
Most probably will
240
15.5
32.1
35.5
12.5
4.5
Definitely will
463
27
26.4
33.8
10.4
2.4
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
22.1
26.6
34.3
16.1
0.9
Not informed
826
23.5
28.7
33.1
9.5
5.2
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
3.5
14.9
60.7
19.2
1.8
Mixed
568
22.5
31.5
29.3
9.8
6.9
Consistently unfavourable
227
43
32.4
18.7
4.9
0.9
page 40
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 13. If the UK government had influence on all EU legislation, that would make
you feel ...
QUESTION: Q9. If we told you that the UK government always has a say in the way EU laws are made, would it
make you feel:
% Would not
% Less positive
% More positive
change, feel
about UK
about UK
the same
membership of
membership of
%
Total N
way
the EU
the EU
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
14.2
21.5
62.1
2.2
SEX
Male
486
15.6
20.4
62.6
1.4
Female
514
12.9
22.5
61.7
2.9
AGE
15 – 24
146
10.3
8
78.1
3.5
25 – 39
239
15.1
18.3
64.7
1.9
40 – 54
274
16.4
22
59.6
2
55 +
323
12.6
28.6
56.8
2
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
10.1
36.4
48.7
4.8
16 – 20
491
12.4
21.8
64.4
1.3
20 +
246
23
15
61
1
Still in education
92
6.7
8.7
79
5.6
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
13.4
22
63
1.5
Urban
439
14
20.6
61.8
3.6
Rural
356
14.7
22.6
61.9
0.8
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
17.4
24.8
54.3
3.5
Employee
469
17.3
19.7
61.7
1.4
Manual worker
32
11.5
17.2
71.3
0
Not working
410
9.9
22.9
64.2
3
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
13.5
23.9
61.7
1
No
408
14.9
21.4
60.4
3.3
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
17.1
28
51.5
3.4
Most probably not
95
12.5
26.1
59.9
1.5
Most probably will
240
13
14.7
69.5
2.8
Definitely will
463
15.2
23.8
60.3
0.7
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
21.2
23.9
53.1
1.7
Not informed
826
12.7
21
64.1
2.2
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
12.2
5.5
80.3
2
Mixed
568
12.2
21.4
63.6
2.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
21.2
36
42.1
0.6
page 41
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 14. Being part of the EU means that UK consumers benefit from the free
movement of goods resulting from the European Single Market
QUESTION: Q10_A. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that ... -
UK consumers benefit from the free movement of goods resulting from the European Single Market
% Strongly
%
% Strongly
%
Total N
disagree
Disagree
% Agree
agree
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
8.9
16.8
51.9
14.6
7.9
SEX
Male
486
11.7
13.9
49.5
19.5
5.5
Female
514
6.2
19.5
54.1
10
10.2
AGE
15 – 24
146
0
10.3
70.1
10.7
8.9
25 – 39
239
6.2
15.1
57.5
12.4
8.9
40 – 54
274
9.1
18.4
50.1
16.6
5.8
55 +
323
14.1
19.6
42.4
15.8
8.1
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
19.6
19.6
37
10.1
13.6
16 – 20
491
8
19.4
54
10.2
8.3
20 +
246
6.1
12.5
53.3
24.9
3.2
Still in education
92
1.9
7
67.7
15.1
8.2
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
11
9.1
53.3
18.4
8.3
Urban
439
7.9
18
51
13
10.1
Rural
356
9.1
19.6
52.2
14.2
4.9
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
11.2
17.8
46.8
19.4
4.8
Employee
469
8.2
16.1
55
13.6
7.1
Manual worker
32
9.4
24.2
52.5
13.9
0
Not working
410
8.9
16.7
50.1
14.5
9.9
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
11.4
17.4
50.8
15.9
4.5
No
408
7.7
17.5
52
12.6
10.4
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
7.4
16.8
55.2
9.6
10.9
Most probably not
95
11
20.4
35.2
16
17.3
Most probably will
240
6.1
14.4
65.3
9.5
4.7
Definitely will
463
11
16.2
46.4
19.6
6.8
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
12.6
11
46.4
27.5
2.5
Not informed
826
8.1
18
53
12
8.9
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
1.6
7.1
57.4
32.6
1.3
Mixed
568
6.1
17.4
52.9
11.9
11.6
Consistently unfavourable
227
22.2
23.8
44.2
5.3
4.6
page 42
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 15. Being part of the EU means that there are improved working conditions in
the UK
QUESTION: Q10_B. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that ... -
There are improved working conditions in the UK
% Strongly
%
% Strongly
%
Total N
disagree
Disagree
% Agree
agree
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
15.6
29.9
34.5
14.3
5.7
SEX
Male
486
18
29.3
32.1
16.6
4.1
Female
514
13.4
30.5
36.8
12.1
7.2
AGE
15 – 24
146
14.5
27.1
25.2
26.4
6.8
25 – 39
239
9.6
27.2
43.8
14.5
4.9
40 – 54
274
17.2
32
35.7
12
3.1
55 +
323
19.1
31.3
30.8
10.7
8.1
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
20.6
36.2
26.9
9.8
6.4
16 – 20
491
17.4
28.8
37
11.7
5.1
20 +
246
11.5
26.2
39.8
16.4
6.2
Still in education
92
9.2
33.9
21.9
29.3
5.6
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
13.5
23.5
37.8
19.4
5.8
Urban
439
17.2
27.4
35
13
7.3
Rural
356
14.2
36.6
32.1
13.2
3.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
21.4
25.4
41.4
6.3
5.5
Employee
469
14.4
32.6
35.1
13.7
4.1
Manual worker
32
7.4
24.4
46.2
14.7
7.2
Not working
410
16.5
28
32
16.5
7.1
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
16.1
28.9
35.6
15
4.5
No
408
17.2
31.4
33.2
10.9
7.3
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
16
44.9
31.5
5.1
2.5
Most probably not
95
21.9
28.9
34.5
6.1
8.6
Most probably will
240
12.4
27.6
41.9
14.1
4
Definitely will
463
16
28.3
32
18.1
5.6
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
13.6
20.7
35.3
25.8
4.7
Not informed
826
16.1
31.9
34.2
11.9
5.9
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
3.8
17
43
33.9
2.3
Mixed
568
15.1
29.2
36.2
12.3
7.2
Consistently unfavourable
227
27.6
43.3
22.6
1.7
4.9
page 43
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 16. Being part of the EU means that there is a cleaner environment
QUESTION: Q10_C. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that ... -
There is a cleaner environment
% Strongly
%
% Strongly
%
Total N
disagree
Disagree
% Agree
agree
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
9.7
25.3
43.4
15.3
6.2
SEX
Male
486
10.9
22.7
42.4
19.3
4.7
Female
514
8.5
27.8
44.4
11.6
7.7
AGE
15 – 24
146
7.7
13.3
50.7
23.9
4.4
25 – 39
239
9
27.1
44.4
14
5.4
40 – 54
274
8.9
27.3
42.8
14.5
6.5
55 +
323
10.9
27.9
39.9
13.9
7.3
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
16
26.1
41
11.1
5.9
16 – 20
491
8.5
28.4
44
13.3
5.8
20 +
246
7
24.6
43.5
17.7
7.3
Still in education
92
10.1
12
43.5
28.5
5.8
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
9.7
18.1
47.3
20.2
4.7
Urban
439
10
27.1
43.7
13
6.2
Rural
356
8
27.5
41.7
16.1
6.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
13.6
29.9
35.8
14.1
6.5
Employee
469
8.9
26.8
46.2
12.2
5.8
Manual worker
32
0
23.8
52.4
20.1
3.7
Not working
410
10
22.6
41.4
19
6.9
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
10
24.6
43.4
15.9
6.1
No
408
10.6
27.9
43.7
11.3
6.4
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
16.8
25
41.4
10.5
6.3
Most probably not
95
10.2
36.8
35.4
13.1
4.6
Most probably will
240
7.6
23.6
50.2
12.2
6.3
Definitely will
463
9.1
24.4
43.4
17.4
5.8
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
14.9
18.7
39.5
22.8
4
Not informed
826
8.6
26.8
44.1
13.8
6.7
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
0
11.6
51.4
32.9
4.1
Mixed
568
10.2
23.9
44.3
14.3
7.4
Consistently unfavourable
227
17.1
41.4
34.1
2.1
5.3
page 44
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 17. Being part of the EU means that the UK has more say in global trade
negotiations
QUESTION: Q10_D. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that ... -
The UK has more say in global trade negotiations
% Strongly
%
% Strongly
%
Total N
disagree
Disagree
% Agree
agree
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
10.2
21.5
44.4
14.3
9.6
SEX
Male
486
12.9
20.8
41.1
17.9
7.3
Female
514
7.6
22.2
47.5
10.8
11.8
AGE
15 – 24
146
1.9
11.5
56.6
27.2
2.8
25 – 39
239
7.3
16.4
54.3
10.3
11.6
40 – 54
274
11.3
22.3
41.9
14.2
10.3
55 +
323
14.5
29.3
35
11.2
10
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
16.3
28.8
32.5
8
14.4
16 – 20
491
9.8
24
43.7
11.9
10.7
20 +
246
8.9
16.7
48.9
18.6
6.9
Still in education
92
5.9
7.8
58.8
25.3
2.2
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
8.2
19.1
45.9
20.1
6.6
Urban
439
9.5
22.4
43.6
13.4
11.2
Rural
356
11.7
22
44.7
12.2
9.3
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
10
32.3
36.8
11.5
9.4
Employee
469
9
19.4
48.4
12.9
10.3
Manual worker
32
14
22.9
40.1
11.6
11.4
Not working
410
11.5
21.7
42
16.5
8.3
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
11.9
22.9
43.9
14
7.4
No
408
10.5
22.6
44.6
10.5
11.9
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
10.7
24.7
44.9
7.2
12.5
Most probably not
95
11
22.5
47.5
8.3
10.6
Most probably will
240
6.9
20.3
48.9
15.2
8.7
Definitely will
463
11.9
21.4
41.5
16.6
8.6
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
14.7
21.2
37.7
22.2
4.1
Not informed
826
9.3
21.5
45.8
12.6
10.8
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
1.1
10
53.4
30.2
5.2
Mixed
568
7.5
20.6
46.9
13.4
11.6
Consistently unfavourable
227
25.2
34.1
30
2.1
8.5
page 45
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 18. If the UK was not in the EU ...
QUESTION: Q11. If we were not in the EU and were unable to secure a free-trade agreement with it, which of the
following best describes your opinion?
% I wouldn't
% I would
% I would care
care if we
care a bit if
greatly if we
lost any of
we lost one or
lost one or
these
more of these
more of these
%
Total N
benefits
benefits
benefits
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
15.9
44.9
36.3
2.9
SEX
Male
486
19.4
45.1
32.6
2.9
Female
514
12.7
44.7
39.8
2.9
AGE
15 – 24
146
6.5
49.8
43.7
0
25 – 39
239
10.3
57.6
31.6
0.5
40 – 54
274
14.6
44
38.2
3.3
55 +
323
25.5
34.7
34.9
4.8
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
29.6
35.3
28.2
6.9
16 – 20
491
17.8
47
33.4
1.8
20 +
246
6.5
43.2
46.4
3.8
Still in education
92
7.1
53.8
39.1
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
14.4
37.8
44.5
3.3
Urban
439
14.8
47.9
34.2
3.1
Rural
356
17.1
45.8
34.7
2.5
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
19.1
37
36.9
7.1
Employee
469
16.3
48.2
33.9
1.6
Manual worker
32
13
38.5
48.4
0
Not working
410
14.6
44
37.6
3.7
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
17
39.8
39.6
3.6
No
408
16.9
49.9
30.5
2.7
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
29
45.1
24
2
Most probably not
95
20.1
49.3
27.7
2.9
Most probably will
240
8.9
53.7
35.7
1.6
Definitely will
463
16
35.5
45.2
3.3
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
16.5
28.1
52.8
2.6
Not informed
826
15.9
48.4
32.8
3
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
3
29.1
67.1
0.8
Mixed
568
15.8
46.8
34.6
2.8
Consistently unfavourable
227
27.9
54.5
12.6
5.1
page 46
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 19. EU has a role in tackling various issues
QUESTION: Q12_A-F. Which of the following issues do you feel the EU has a role in tackling?
% of ”The EU has a role” shown
The
The
protection
security
The
Climate
of human
Global
of energy
Global
financial
Total N
change
rights
poverty
supplies
terrorism
crisis
TOTAL
1000
80.7
85.1
75.7
72
79.3
78.4
SEX
Male
486
80.2
83.1
73.2
71.8
79.9
76.6
Female
514
81.1
87
78.1
72.2
78.8
80.1
AGE
15 – 24
146
80.3
86.6
79
78.9
81.7
85.9
25 – 39
239
85.6
90
80.1
76.1
81.6
83.9
40 – 54
274
86.6
88.5
81.2
76.1
84.1
83.9
55 +
323
73.3
79.8
67.5
63.9
73.7
68
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
69
78.6
68.9
57.2
72.9
64.9
16 – 20
491
82
84.3
76.8
73.3
78.4
79.5
20 +
246
86.8
91.5
78.8
77.2
86.1
84.2
Still in education
92
79.1
90.4
76.2
78.9
79.7
83.6
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
80.7
84.9
77
76.2
77.3
78.5
Urban
439
81.9
86
77.1
70.8
80.7
80.4
Rural
356
80.9
85.5
74.7
72.8
79.7
77
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
74.8
79.7
69.5
66.5
77.6
74.2
Employee
469
86.5
88.4
78.1
75.9
82.2
84.6
Manual worker
32
83.2
89.9
72.4
82.5
86.5
83.7
Not working
410
75.8
83.1
74.9
68.2
76.3
72.2
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
85.2
86.8
77.2
73.1
81.4
77.1
No
408
75.1
82.3
71.4
69.2
75.3
77.6
INTENTION TO
VOTE IN THE NEXT
EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
70.9
73.9
68
62.1
73.7
75.5
Most probably not
95
72.5
85.6
75.9
61.1
79.5
76
Most probably will
240
83.4
85.6
78.8
74.9
82.5
79.3
Definitely will
463
85.3
88
75.7
75.6
80.2
79
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
81.6
82.2
75.9
74.2
80.4
74.9
Not informed
826
80.4
85.7
75.6
71.5
79
79.2
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
97
97.4
86.2
86.6
90.8
93.2
Mixed
568
78.1
85
77.9
70.9
78.5
79.4
Consistently
227
72.5
74.3
60.8
61.5
71
62.5
unfavourable
page 47
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 20. Perception of the British television
QUESTION: Q13_A. Do you think that the British … presents the European Union too positively, too negatively or
objectively? - Television
% Too
% Too
%
Total N
positively
negatively
Objectively
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
18.5
32.6
36.4
12.5
SEX
Male
486
20.8
33.5
38.2
7.5
Female
514
16.2
31.8
34.7
17.3
AGE
15 – 24
146
32.7
25.3
36
6.1
25 – 39
239
14.6
35.8
34.8
14.8
40 – 54
274
15
35.8
38.2
11
55 +
323
18.2
30.7
36.3
14.8
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
23.5
28.7
31
16.9
16 – 20
491
18.9
30.3
36.3
14.5
20 +
246
10.3
40.6
39.9
9.3
Still in education
92
29
28.1
39.2
3.6
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
17.5
34
37.8
10.6
Urban
439
18.2
29.4
37.4
15
Rural
356
18.3
35.8
35.4
10.5
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
13
31.7
43.1
12.1
Employee
469
15.8
34
37.2
13
Manual worker
32
29
28.5
38.8
3.8
Not working
410
22.1
31.2
34.4
12.3
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
17.1
36.3
37.3
9.3
No
408
18.7
29.3
37.9
14.1
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
15
28.8
41.9
14.3
Most probably not
95
22.5
18.1
39
20.4
Most probably will
240
16.9
34.5
34.2
14.4
Definitely will
463
17.9
37.8
35.1
9.2
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
22.9
36.2
35.7
5.2
Not informed
826
17.6
31.9
36.5
14
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
15.7
41.2
40.2
2.9
Mixed
568
18
30.7
34.2
17.1
Consistently unfavourable
227
22
29.6
38.5
9.9
page 48
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 21. Perception of the British radio
QUESTION: Q13_B. Do you think that the British … presents the European Union too positively, too negatively or
objectively? - Radio
% Too
% Too
%
Total N
positively
negatively
Objectively
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
17.9
21.1
38.1
23
SEX
Male
486
19.1
22.2
41.6
17.2
Female
514
16.7
20
34.8
28.4
AGE
15 – 24
146
39.3
13.2
34.7
12.8
25 – 39
239
14.7
28.7
39.6
16.9
40 – 54
274
10.6
21.3
39.9
28.3
55 +
323
17.1
18.8
36.1
27.9
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
24.7
19.1
26.4
29.8
16 – 20
491
16.9
21
34.1
28
20 +
246
10.3
24.5
50.8
14.4
Still in education
92
31.4
13
46.4
9.1
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
14.5
24.9
40.8
19.7
Urban
439
17.5
19
38.3
25.2
Rural
356
19.3
21.3
37
22.4
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
7.8
17.3
52.1
22.8
Employee
469
15.9
20.5
40.7
22.9
Manual worker
32
26.4
23.2
36.9
13.6
Not working
410
21.8
22.1
32.2
23.9
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
16.5
22.1
40.5
20.9
No
408
17.9
22.5
36
23.6
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
16.4
18.3
40.2
25.1
Most probably not
95
11.1
13.8
38.9
36.2
Most probably will
240
18.6
21.2
38.6
21.6
Definitely will
463
17.6
23.8
37.4
21.3
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
22.9
19
43.8
14.3
Not informed
826
16.7
21.5
37
24.7
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
18.8
23.1
47
11
Mixed
568
17.9
21.3
33.9
26.9
Consistently unfavourable
227
17
18.6
40.4
23.9
page 49
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 22. Perception of the British press
QUESTION: Q13_C. Do you think that the British … presents the European Union too positively, too negatively or
objectively? - Press
% Too
% Too
%
Total N
positively
negatively
Objectively
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
15.6
47.7
25.8
10.8
SEX
Male
486
16.6
50.4
24.6
8.4
Female
514
14.7
45.2
27
13.1
AGE
15 – 24
146
25.5
41.8
28
4.8
25 – 39
239
12.5
54.4
21.9
11.2
40 – 54
274
11.9
49.5
27.1
11.4
55 +
323
17.2
44
26.4
12.4
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
23.7
39.2
25.1
11.9
16 – 20
491
16
43.7
27
13.2
20 +
246
7.9
64.5
21
6.6
Still in education
92
19.5
37.4
35.1
7.9
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
16.2
56.3
21
6.5
Urban
439
14.5
43.1
28.6
13.8
Rural
356
16.3
49.1
25.1
9.5
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
12.1
55.1
16.6
16.2
Employee
469
13.7
52.5
25.1
8.7
Manual worker
32
19.6
47.7
32.7
0
Not working
410
18.4
40.7
27.9
13
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
15.6
50.9
24.7
8.8
No
408
14.5
47.3
25.7
12.5
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
15.7
49.1
23.7
11.6
Most probably not
95
17.8
33.8
29.1
19.3
Most probably will
240
17.8
47.7
26.8
7.8
Definitely will
463
14.7
51.4
24.4
9.5
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
17.6
53
20.5
8.9
Not informed
826
15.2
46.7
26.9
11.1
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
15
59.8
20
5.3
Mixed
568
14.9
44.6
27.3
13.2
Consistently unfavourable
227
18.1
44.7
27.4
9.8
page 50
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 23. Awareness of the EU, its policies and institutions
QUESTION: Q14. How much do you feel you know about the European Union, its policies, its institutions? Would
you say you know ...?
% A great
% Quite a
% Nothing
%
Total N
deal
lot
% A little
at all
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
0.8
16.5
69.1
13.5
0.2
SEX
Male
486
0.7
20.5
66.7
12.1
0
Female
514
0.9
12.7
71.3
14.8
0.3
AGE
15 – 24
146
0
12.9
69.1
18
0
25 – 39
239
1.9
11.7
70.2
16.2
0
40 – 54
274
0.4
17.4
71
11.2
0
55 +
323
0.8
20.1
68
10.7
0.5
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
0.5
10.4
70.5
18
0.5
16 – 20
491
0.3
13.6
69.6
16.5
0
20 +
246
2.2
24.6
68.9
3.9
0.3
Still in education
92
0
18.1
69.9
12
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
0.4
22
66.7
10.1
0.8
Urban
439
1.5
12.7
70.4
15.5
0
Rural
356
0.2
18.1
69.3
12.4
0
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
0
25.6
60.7
13.7
0
Employee
469
0.7
14.6
71.6
12.8
0.3
Manual worker
32
0
9.9
84.4
5.7
0
Not working
410
1.1
17.1
67.3
14.5
0
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
0.7
22.9
69.1
7.1
0.2
No
408
1.1
9.1
68.3
21.3
0.2
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
0
8.2
56.4
35.4
0
Most probably not
95
0
8.3
68.7
23
0
Most probably will
240
1.2
11.2
77.4
9.8
0.3
Definitely will
463
1.1
23.9
67.5
7.3
0.2
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
4.6
95.4
0
0
0
Not informed
826
0
0
83.7
16.3
0
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
1.5
28.5
66.7
3.4
0
Mixed
568
0.7
10.6
69.7
18.7
0.3
Consistently unfavourable
227
0.5
20.5
69.7
9.4
0
page 51
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 24. Information available on the EU is simple and clear
QUESTION: Q15. Would you agree that current information available on the European Union is simple and clear
enough? Would you ....
% Strongly
%
% Strongly
%
Total N
disagree
Disagree
% Agree
agree
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
20.4
33
33.9
4.4
8.4
SEX
Male
486
22.2
30.7
33.2
5.3
8.5
Female
514
18.7
35.1
34.5
3.5
8.2
AGE
15 – 24
146
10.2
22.1
53.7
10.8
3.2
25 – 39
239
18.6
29
34.2
4.2
13.9
40 – 54
274
22.5
38.6
27.8
2.8
8.3
55 +
323
24.6
35.9
30.4
2.5
6.6
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
19.7
38.6
32.1
5
4.7
16 – 20
491
20.7
30.5
35.2
4.3
9.3
20 +
246
21
38.2
28.2
1.9
10.8
Still in education
92
18.1
23.2
48.1
6.5
4.1
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
21.9
31.1
33
4.5
9.6
Urban
439
19.5
33.1
33.6
4.4
9.4
Rural
356
20.8
33.7
34.9
3.8
6.7
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
15.9
45.5
22.4
2.2
14
Employee
469
22.4
31.8
33.2
3
9.7
Manual worker
32
18.9
19.1
47.9
6.7
7.4
Not working
410
18.8
33.2
36.3
5.8
6
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
22.9
33.2
33.6
4
6.3
No
408
17.6
35.8
31.7
3.2
11.7
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
27.2
30.9
23.3
6.7
11.9
Most probably not
95
14.4
38.7
28.7
4.5
13.7
Most probably will
240
13.2
32.3
42.2
3
9.4
Definitely will
463
25
34.4
31.4
3.8
5.3
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
21.2
29.6
39.2
6.9
3.1
Not informed
826
20.3
33.6
32.8
3.9
9.4
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
13.8
33.8
39.7
6.2
6.4
Mixed
568
18.6
30.7
36.2
4.5
10.1
Consistently unfavourable
227
31
37.9
22.9
2.6
5.7
page 52
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 25. Interest in receiving more information about the EU
QUESTION: Q16. How interested are you in receiving more information about the EU?
% Not at
all
% Quite
% Quite
% Very
%
Total N
interested uninterested interested
interested
DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
31.1
22.5
37.6
8.7
0.1
SEX
Male
486
33.6
19.7
37.4
9.3
0
Female
514
28.7
25.3
37.7
8.1
0.2
AGE
15 – 24
146
19.8
21.9
50.4
7.9
0
25 – 39
239
31.6
22.4
35.7
9.8
0.4
40 – 54
274
29
22.4
41.1
7.6
0
55 +
323
37
23.3
30.7
9
0
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
50
20.2
25
4.8
0
16 – 20
491
32.6
24.7
33.3
9.2
0.2
20 +
246
18.2
21.2
49.1
11.6
0
Still in education
92
18.8
21.1
54.8
5.3
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
28.6
19.4
40.9
11
0
Urban
439
30.1
25.1
36.7
7.9
0.2
Rural
356
31.9
21.7
37.9
8.5
0
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
29.4
24.7
37.7
8.2
0
Employee
469
27.6
23.7
38.5
9.9
0.2
Manual worker
32
28.2
34.8
27.9
9.1
0
Not working
410
34.6
20.3
37.7
7.4
0
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
29.1
20.6
38.6
11.7
0
No
408
35.4
25
34
5.6
0
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
48.3
33.4
15.7
2.6
0
Most probably not
95
44.6
22.2
29.7
3.6
0
Most probably will
240
26.1
26.2
40.2
7.1
0.4
Definitely will
463
26.9
18.3
41.2
13.6
0
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
24.5
16.9
41.4
17.3
0
Not informed
826
32.5
23.7
36.8
6.9
0.1
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
13.6
18.6
54.6
13.2
0
Mixed
568
33.6
23.6
34.8
7.9
0.2
Consistently unfavourable
227
40.7
23.4
29.3
6.6
0
page 53
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 26. If more simple and clear information on the EU were available
QUESTION: Q17. If more simple and clear information on the European Union were available, how likely would you
be to read /listen /watch it?
Base: who found the information on the EU was not simple and clear or who were interested in receiving more information
about the EU
% Not
% Not
% Very
%
Total N
likely at all
likely
% Likely
likely
DK/NA
TOTAL
741
8.7
8
54.4
28.8
0.2
SEX
Male
369
10.6
8.7
53.4
26.9
0.4
Female
372
6.7
7.2
55.4
30.7
0
AGE
15 – 24
104
4.4
2.2
63.3
30.1
0
25 – 39
166
6.2
5.7
59.2
28.9
0
40 – 54
217
9.5
8.9
55.2
26.5
0
55 +
241
11.1
11.2
46.4
30.8
0.6
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
110
15.7
14.3
48.5
20.1
1.3
16 – 20
348
9.4
8.5
51.3
30.8
0
20 +
200
3.6
5.1
61.3
30
0
Still in education
74
3.8
3.1
61.8
31.3
0
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
159
6.7
7.1
53.3
32.9
0
Urban
312
6.4
9.2
54.4
29.8
0.2
Rural
263
10.7
7.2
55.9
25.8
0.4
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
64
6.7
13.1
54
24.7
1.5
Employee
342
7.6
5.5
57.2
29.8
0
Manual worker
22
14.2
11.1
53.6
21.1
0
Not working
307
8.7
9.6
52
29.6
0.2
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
369
6.8
8.9
51.9
32.2
0.3
No
291
12.8
7.5
56.8
22.9
0
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
83
22.3
11
49.6
17.1
0
Most probably not
69
11.8
11.6
63.6
13
0
Most probably will
165
5.7
6.4
61.2
26.7
0
Definitely will
369
6.6
7.5
47
38.5
0.4
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
137
6.5
4.3
44.3
44.3
0.7
Not informed
603
9.2
8.8
56.6
25.3
0.1
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
168
2.3
1.6
59.1
37
0
Mixed
390
10
7.7
54.7
27.4
0.1
Consistently unfavourable
182
11.5
14.3
49.4
24.2
0.5
page 54
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 27. Responsibility for keeping citizens informed about the EU and its decisions
QUESTION: Q18. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its decisions?
Please choose ONE from the list that I am going to read to you.
h
/
e
s
is
nt
rs
h
e
nt
e
e
ion
U
rit
p
t
A
ion
t
l
ical
a
a
in t
N
N
E
B
a
ion
s
l
e
u
e
c
it
l
p
is
/
a
rnm
rnm
ies
s
rm
re
K
t
it
t
e
e
o
v
U
s
v
v
rt
w
a
e
e
l
nt
e
fo
e
To
% Th
in
% Th
go
% Lo
go
% P
p
%
N
t
% E
in
c
UK
% D
TOTAL
1000
5.6
43.1
13.6
3.9
20
11
2.7
SEX
Male
486
6
42.1
10.9
3.5
22.8
12.9
1.8
Female
514
5.2
44.1
16.3
4.3
17.4
9.2
3.5
AGE
15 – 24
146
0
35
12.7
6.2
29.4
14.5
2.1
25 – 39
239
8.9
42.9
16
2
18.1
9.3
2.8
40 – 54
274
5.9
44.3
13.4
4.4
18.4
12.8
0.8
55 +
323
5.7
46.8
12.9
4.2
18.6
8.2
3.6
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
3.5
46.8
17.5
5.1
19.5
4
3.6
16 – 20
491
4.5
43.6
14.9
4.2
19.1
11.4
2.4
20 +
246
9.8
40.9
11.6
1.5
20.9
13.7
1.7
Still in education
92
3.4
39.4
6.3
8
25.7
13.8
3.4
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
10.2
41.2
12.4
3.6
21.5
10
1
Urban
439
3.1
43
15
2.4
22.3
12.4
1.8
Rural
356
6.3
44.9
13.1
4.7
17.1
9.8
4.1
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
7.1
37.8
7.1
3.9
26.8
15.4
2
Employee
469
7.5
44.8
16.9
2.9
17.3
9.8
0.9
Manual worker
32
6.7
41.1
16.1
3.7
20.6
11.9
0
Not working
410
3.1
42.7
11.3
5.3
22.1
11.2
4.3
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
6.5
47.9
12.1
3.4
15.7
12.9
1.5
No
408
5.3
40.2
15.7
5.2
24.4
6
3.1
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
3.5
44.5
10.8
6.3
25.1
5.7
4
Most probably not
95
6
51.6
9.9
4.4
19.5
6.1
2.5
Most probably will
240
4.5
41.1
13.6
4.1
24.9
10.2
1.6
Definitely will
463
7.1
42.6
14.9
3.4
16.1
13.8
2.1
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
10.7
41.3
8.4
1.9
20.1
15.5
2.1
Not informed
826
4.5
43.5
14.7
4.4
20
10.1
2.8
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
9.4
36.1
13.2
1.1
21.9
16.6
1.7
Mixed
568
4.9
43.8
14
4.8
19.5
9.6
3.4
Consistently unfavourable
227
3.8
47.7
13.1
4.2
19.8
9.5
1.9
page 55
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 28. "Brussels-controlled" policies
QUESTION: Q19. When you read or hear in the media that the EU or Brussels “controls” certain policy areas, what
does this mean to you:
% The UK
% The UK
government has
government has
no say in the way
some say in the way
Total N
EU laws are made
EU laws are made
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
19.9
76.8
3.3
SEX
Male
486
21.6
77
1.5
Female
514
18.4
76.6
5
AGE
15 – 24
146
13.3
85.2
1.6
25 – 39
239
13.3
82.1
4.6
40 – 54
274
19.3
78
2.7
55 +
323
27.7
69.2
3.2
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
37.4
55.9
6.7
16 – 20
491
21.7
75
3.3
20 +
246
8.7
90.2
1
Still in education
92
8.2
89.3
2.5
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
14.6
82.2
3.2
Urban
439
19.4
77.4
3.2
Rural
356
23.4
73.3
3.2
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
20.4
73.6
5.9
Employee
469
19.1
77.6
3.3
Manual worker
32
18.2
81.8
0
Not working
410
20.7
76.9
2.4
PARTICIPATED IN THE
LAST EP ELECTION IN
2004
Yes
484
21.2
77.1
1.7
No
408
21.2
74.4
4.4
INTENTION TO VOTE IN
THE NEXT EP ON JUNE
4TH
Definitely not
132
24.1
69.1
6.8
Most probably not
95
17.4
79.4
3.2
Most probably will
240
15.1
80.8
4.1
Definitely will
463
22.4
76.3
1.3
SELF-PERCEIVED LEVEL
OF EU INFORMAITON
Informed
173
21
77.4
1.6
Not informed
826
19.7
76.6
3.6
ATTITUDES TOWARDS
THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
3.5
96
0.5
Mixed
568
17.7
77.4
4.9
Consistently unfavourable
227
40.3
58.1
1.6
page 56
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 29. Participation in the last European parliamentary election in 2004
QUESTION: Q20. Did you participate in the last European parliamentary election in 2004?
% Was not
Total N
% Yes
% No
eligible to vote
% DK/NA
TOTAL
1000
48.4
40.8
6.3
4.4
SEX
Male
486
46.3
42
8.5
3.2
Female
514
50.4
39.8
4.3
5.6
AGE
15 – 24
146
9.8
46.9
38.6
4.7
25 – 39
239
36.8
54.6
2.2
6.3
40 – 54
274
56.8
40.7
0.4
2
55 +
323
66.5
28.3
0.2
5
EDUCATION (end of)
Until 15 years of age
157
56.1
37.1
0.4
6.4
16 – 20
491
48.9
42.5
3.1
5.5
20 +
246
59.1
37.2
1.9
1.7
Still in education
92
5.6
44.7
46.7
3
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
49.1
38.6
8.3
4.1
Urban
439
44.2
43.1
7.7
5
Rural
356
54.3
37.9
3.8
4
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
54.5
41.8
0
3.7
Employee
469
49.1
41.7
4
5.2
Manual worker
32
39.2
57.8
0
2.9
Not working
410
47.3
38
10.9
3.9
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
100
0
0
0
No
408
0
100
0
0
INTENTION TO VOTE
IN THE NEXT EP ON
JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
6.2
86.9
5.7
1.2
Most probably not
95
7.9
80.8
6.2
5
Most probably will
240
40.3
45.5
5.9
8.2
Definitely will
463
79.3
15.9
2.3
2.6
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
66.1
24.2
7
2.7
Not informed
826
44.7
44.3
6.2
4.8
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
48.6
32.2
16.5
2.7
Mixed
568
43.2
46.6
4.8
5.3
Consistently unfavourable
227
61.3
34.1
1
3.7
page 57
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Table 30. Intention to participate in the next European parliamentary election on
June 4th
QUESTION: Q21. Do you intend to vote in the next European parliamentary election on June 4th?
y
l
t
y
t
y
y
l
e
s
to
A
N
n
t
l
s
s
ite
t
o
t
o
l
ite
l
as
ar
e
o
e
N
te
ta
%
o
babl
o
babl
il
%
il
w
w
th
tio
o
K/
o
in
f
n
M
o
n
M
o
w
in
f
w
I
t a
f
N
v
T
o
o
ec
%
igibl
D
De
%
pr
%
pr
De
%
n
el
el
%
TOTAL
1000
13.2
9.5
24
46.3
0.7
3.4
3.1
SEX
Male
486
14.6
11.4
23.4
44.1
0.8
3.2
2.4
Female
514
12
7.6
24.5
48.3
0.5
3.5
3.7
AGE
15 – 24
146
20.2
8.2
26.9
22.7
0
18.8
3.1
25 – 39
239
13.5
13.7
31.4
36.2
1
0.9
3.4
40 – 54
274
13.3
8.6
23.2
51.5
0.4
0.7
2.3
55 +
323
9
7.8
18.7
60
1
0.4
3.1
EDUCATION (end
of)
Until 15 years of age
157
13
11.1
19.5
52.5
0.8
0
3.1
16 – 20
491
14.8
10.3
27
44.4
0.6
1.5
1.5
20 +
246
6.4
7.6
22.8
56.9
1
0
5.2
Still in education
92
21.1
6.9
21
20
0
28.7
2.4
URBANISATION
Metropolitan
193
13
11.3
26.1
45.9
0
1.4
2.3
Urban
439
12.8
10.2
24.2
43.9
0.6
4.3
3.9
Rural
356
12.9
7.6
22.5
50.6
1.1
3.3
1.9
OCCUPATION
Self-employed
82
18.6
8.6
21.3
44.4
0
0.9
6.3
Employee
469
12.9
8.9
27.3
47
0.9
1.2
1.8
Manual worker
32
14.1
13.3
34.4
34.5
0
0
3.7
Not working
410
12.1
9.9
20.3
47.1
0.6
6.6
3.4
PARTICIPATED IN
THE LAST EP
ELECTION IN 2004
Yes
484
1.7
1.6
19.9
75.7
0
0
1.1
No
408
28.1
18.7
26.7
18
1.2
2.1
5.2
INTENTION TO
VOTE IN THE NEXT
EP ON JUNE 4TH
Definitely not
132
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
Most probably not
95
0
100
0
0
0
0
0
Most probably will
240
0
0
100
0
0
0
0
Definitely will
463
0
0
0
100
0
0
0
SELF-PERCEIVED
LEVEL OF EU
INFORMAITON
Informed
173
6.3
4.6
17.2
67
0
1.4
3.6
Not informed
826
14.7
10.5
25.3
41.9
0.8
3.8
3
ATTITUDES
TOWARDS THE EU
Consistently favourable
204
7.6
2.7
24.4
55.8
0
9.6
0
Mixed
568
15.5
11.9
27.4
37.6
0.6
2.3
4.7
Consistently
227
12.5
9.5
15.1
59.5
1.4
0.4
1.6
unfavourable
page 58
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
6. Survey details
This survey on the " EU Attitudes and Information in the UK " was conducted for the European
Commission UK Representation.
Telephone interviews were conducted between the 21st and the 25th of May 2009 by Gallup UK.
Representativeness of the results
The sample is representative of the population aged 15 years and above.
Sizes of the sample
The sample size was planned 1000 respondents in UK, and 1000 interviews were conducted in all.
A weighting factor was applied to the national results in order to compute a marginal total for the
country in proportion to its population.
Questionnaire
1. The questionnaire prepared for this survey is reproduced at the end of this result.
Table of results
VOLUME B: RESPONDENTS’ DEMOGRAPHICS
The VOLUME C presents the country results with the following socio-demographic characteristics of
respondents as breakdowns:
Sex (Male, Female)
Age (15-24, 25-39, 40-54, 55 +)
Education ( -15, 16-20, 21+, Still in full time education)
Subjective urbanisation (Metropolitan zone, Other town/urban centre, Rural zone)
Occupation (Self-employed, Employee, Manual worker, Not working)
page 59
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Sampling error
The results in a survey are valid only between the limits of a statistical margin caused by the sampling
process. This margin varies with three factors:
1. The sample size (or the size of the analyzed part in the sample): the greater the number of
respondents is, the smaller the statistical margin will be;
2. The result in itself: the closer the result approaches 50%, the wider the statistical margin will be;
3. The desired degree of confidence: the more "strict" we are, the wider the statistical margin will be.
As an example, examine this illustrative case:
1. One question has been answered by 500 people;
2. The analyzed result is around 50%;
3. We choose a significance level of 95 % (it is the level most often used by the statisticians, and it is
the one chosen for the Table hereafter);
In this illustrative case the statistical margin is: (+/- 4.4%) around the observed 50%. And as a
conclusion: the result for the whole population lies between 45.6% and 54.4 %.
Hereafter, the statistical margins computed for various observed results are shown, on various sample
sizes, at the 95% significance level.
STATISTICAL MARGINS DUE TO THE SAMPLING PROCESS (AT THE 95 % LEVEL OF
CONFIDENCE)
Various sample sizes are in rows;
Various observed results are in columns:
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
N=50
6,0
8,3
9,9
11,1
12,0
12,7
13,2
13,6
13,8
13,9
N=500
1,9
2,6
3,1
3,5
3,8
4,0
4,2
4,3
4,4
4,4
N=1000
1,4
1,9
2,2
2,5
2,7
2,8
3,0
3,0
3,1
3,1
N=1500
1,1
1,5
1,8
2,0
2,2
2,3
2,4
2,5
2,5
2,5
N=2000
1,0
1,3
1,6
1,8
1,9
2,0
2,1
2,1
2,2
2,2
N=3000
0,8
1,1
1,3
1,4
1,5
1,6
1,7
1,8
1,8
1,8
N=4000
0,7
0,9
1,1
1,2
1,3
1,4
1,5
1,5
1,5
1,5
N=5000
0,6
0,8
1,0
1,1
1,2
1,3
1,3
1,4
1,4
1,4
N=6000
0,6
0,8
0,9
1,0
1,1
1,2
1,2
1,2
1,3
1,3
page 60
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
7. Survey questionnaire
Q1. In general, do you have rather a positive or negative image of the European Union?
- Rather positive .................................................................................... 3
- Rather negative .................................................................................. 2
- [Neither positive, nor negative] .......................................................... 1
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
Q2. Have you heard of any of the following?
- Yes ........................................................................................... 1
- No ............................................................................................. 2
- [DK/NA] .................................................................................. 9
[READ OUT, ROTATE, ONE ANSWER PER LINE ONLY]
a) The European Health Insurance Card ............................................................. 1 2 9
b) The Bathing Water Report ............................................................................. 1 2 9
c) The Blue Flag Guide ...................................................................................... 1 2 9
d) The European Arrest Warrant ......................................................................... 1 2 9
Q3. How important are the benefits of these initiatives for you: very important, important, not
important or not important at all?
[READ OUT – ROTATE - ONE ANSWER PER LINE ONLY]
- Very important ......................................................................... 4
- Important ................................................................................. 3
- Not important .......................................................................... 2
- Not important at all ................................................................. 1
- [DK/NA]................................................................................... 9
a) The European Health Insurance Card, that allows citizens to receive medical treatment in any
other EU country ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 9
b) The Bathing Water Report and Blue Flag Guide, which inform people about the safety and
cleanliness standards of Europe’s beaches ................................................. 1 2 3 4 9
c) The European Arrest Warrant, that helps suspects to be extradited more speedily to the UK
.................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 9
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Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Q4. Does the fact that these initiatives have been initiated and developed by the European Union
make you feel...
- More positive about the European Union or ................................................ 3
- Less positive about the European Union? .................................................... 2
- [The same way about the European Union] ................................................. 1
- [DK/NA] ....................................................................................................... 9
Q5. I will now list a series of statements. For each one, please tell me if you think they are true or
false?
- True ........................................................................................ 1
- False. ...................................................................................... 2
- [DK/NA] ................................................................................ 9
[READ OUT – ROTATE - ONE ANSWER PER LINE]
a) All EU citizens have the right to travel to, or study in, another EU country ..... 1 2 9
b) Mobile phone roaming charges have decreased for anyone travelling within the
EU ..................................................................................................................... 1 2 9
c) The EU has very strict food-safety standards ................................................... 1 2 9
Q6._ How much percent of the UK’s gross national income do you think goes towards the EU
budget?………….
Q7. In your opinion, do the economic costs of being in the EU exceed the benefits or do the
benefits exceed the cost?
- The economic costs exceed the benefits ............................................. 1
- The benefits exceed the economic costs ............................................. 2
- They are in balance ............................................................................ 3
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
Q8. According to you, how much say has the UK government in the way that EU laws are made
…?
- A lot ................................................................................................... 4
- A fair amount ...................................................................................... 3
- Little or ............................................................................................... 2
- Very little ........................................................................................... 1
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
Q9. If we told you that the UK government always has a say in the way EU laws are made,
would it make you feel:
- More positive about UK membership of the EU ................................ 3
- Less positive about UK membership of the EU ................................. 2
- [Would not change, feel the same way] ............................................. 1
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
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Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Q10. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU means that
…
- Strongly agree ........................................................................ 4
- Agree ........................................................................................ 3
- Disagree .................................................................................... 2
- Strongly disagree .................................................................... 1
- [DK/NA]................................................................................... 9
[READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE ONLY]
a) UK consumers benefit from the free movement of goods resulting from
the European Single Market ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 9
b) There are improved working conditions in the UK .................................. 1 2 3 4 9
c) There is a cleaner environment ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 9
d) The UK has more say in global trade negotiations .................................. 1 2 3 4 9
Q11. If we were not in the EU and were unable to secure a free-trade agreement with it, which of
the following best describes your opinion?
- I wouldn’t care if we lost any of these benefits .................................. 1
- I would care a bit if we lost one or more of these benefits ................. 2
- I would care greatly if we lost one or more of these benefits ............. 3
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
Q12. Which of the following issues do you feel the EU has a role in tackling?
- The EU has a role .................................................................... 1
- The EU does not have a role ................................................... 2
- [DK/NA] .................................................................................. 9
a) Climate change ................................................................................................ 1 2 9
b) The protection of human rights ....................................................................... 1 2 9
c) Global poverty. ............................................................................................... 1 2 9
d) The security of energy supplies ...................................................................... 1 2 9
e) Global terrorism .............................................................................................. 1 2 9
f) The financial crisis ........................................................................................ 1 2 9
STATED PERSONAL AWARENESS
Q13. Do you think that the British ...[ READ A-C] presents the European Union too positively,
too negatively or objectively?
- Too positively ........................................................................... 1
- Too negatively .......................................................................... 2
- Objectively ............................................................................... 3
- [DK/NA]................................................................................... 9
a) Television ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 9
b) Radio ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 9
d) Press ............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 9
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Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
INTEREST
Q14. How much do you feel you know about the European Union, its policies, its institutions?
Would you say you know …?
[READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY]
- A great deal ........................................................................................ 1
- Quite a lot .......................................................................................... 2
- A little ................................................................................................ 3
- Nothing at all .................................................................................... 4
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
Q15. Would you agree that current information available on the European Union is simple and
clear enough? Would you ….
- Strongly agree ....................................................................... 4
- Agree ........................................................................................ 3
- Disagree or ............................................................................... 2
- Strongly disagree? .................................................................. 1
- [DK/NA]................................................................................... 9
Q16. How interested are you in receiving more information about the EU?
- Very interested ........................................................................ 4
- Quite interested ........................................................................ 3
- Quite uninterested ................................................................... 2
- Not at all interested? ................................................................. 1
- [DK/NA] .................................................................................. 9
ASK ONLY IF Q15(1,2) OR Q16(4,3)
Q17. If more simple and clear information on the European Union were available, how likely
would you be to read /listen /watch it?
[READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY]
- Very likely ............................................................................... 4
- Likely ........................................................................................ 3
- Not likely or................................................................................... 2
- Not likely at all?......................................................................... 1
- [DK/NA].................................................................................... 9
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Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
Q18. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its
decisions? Please choose ONE from the list that I am going to read to you.
[READ OUT- ROTATE - ONE ANSWER ONLY]
- The EU institutions ............................................................................. 1
- The British government ...................................................................... 2
- Local government .............................................................................. 3
- Political parties ................................................................................... 4
- Newspapers/television ........................................................................ 5
- EU information centres in the UK ..................................................... .6
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................ 9
Q19. When you read or hear in the media that the EU or Brussels “controls” certain policy
areas, what does this mean to you:
- The UK government has no say in the way EU laws are made .......... 1
- The UK government has some say in the way EU laws are made ..... 2
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................ 9
PARTICIPATION
Q20. Did you participate in the last European parliamentary election in 2004?
- Yes ...................................................................................................... 1
- No ....................................................................................................... 2
- [Was not eligible to vote] ................................................................... 8
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................ 9
Q21. Do you intend to vote in the next European parliamentary election on June 4th?
- Definitely will ..................................................................................... 4
- Most probably will ............................................................................. 3
- Most probably not............................................................................... 2
- Definitely not ...................................................................................... 1
- [I was not aware of the elections] ....................................................... 7
- [Not eligible to vote] .......................................................................... 8
- [DK/NA] ............................................................................................. 9
D1.
Gender
[ D O NOT A S K - M A R K A P P R O P R I A T E ]
[1] Male
[2] Female
D2.
How old are you?
[_][_]years old
[00] [REFUSAL/NO ANSWER]
page 65
Flash EB No 274 – Attitudes towards the EU in the UK
Annex
D3.
How old were you when you stopped full-time education?
[ WRI TE I N T HE AGE WHEN ED UC AT ION WAS T ERM IN AT ED]
[_][_]
years old
[ 0 0 ]
[STILL IN FULL TIME EDUCATION]
[ 0 1 ]
[NEVER BEEN IN FULL TIME EDUCATION]
[ 9 9 ]
[REFUSAL/NO ANSWER]
D4.
As far as your current occupation is concerned, would you say you are self-employed, an
employee, a manual worker or would you say that you are without a professional activity? Does
it mean that you are a(n)...
[ IF A R ESP ON SE T O T HE MA IN CAT EG O RY IS G IV EN, RE AD OUT T HE
RESP ECT IV E SU B -C AT EGO R IES]
- Self-employed
i.e. : - farmer, forester, fisherman .................................................................... 11
- owner of a shop, craftsman ................................................................... 12
- professional (lawyer, medical practitioner, accountant, architect,...)... 13
- manager of a company .......................................................................... 14
- other ....................................................................................................... 15
- Employee
i.e. : - professional (employed doctor, lawyer, accountant, architect) ............ 21
- general management, director or top management............................... 22
- middle management .............................................................................. 23
- Civil servant ........................................................................................... 24
- office clerk ............................................................................................. 25
- other employee (salesman, nurse, etc...) ............................................... 26
- other ....................................................................................................... 27
- Manual worker
i.e. : - supervisor / foreman (team manager, etc...) ........................................ 31
- Manual worker....................................................................................... 32
- unskilled manual worker ....................................................................... 33
- other ....................................................................................................... 34
- Without a professional activity
i.e. : - looking after the home ........................................................................... 41
- student (full time) .................................................................................. 42
- retired .................................................................................................... 43
- seeking a job .......................................................................................... 44
- other ....................................................................................................... 45
- [Refusal] ................................................................................................................ 99
D5. NUTS region ( NOT TO BE ASKED)
D6. Would you say you live in a ...?
metropolitan zone ..................................................................................... 1
other town/urban centre ............................................................................ 2
rural zone .................................................................................................. 3
[Refusal] ................................................................................................... 9
page 66
