The United Kingdom and the European Union (Winter 2004)

Transcription

1 Flash Eurobarometer European Commission The United Kingdom and the European Union (Winter 004) Fieldwork: December 004 January 005 Publication: January 005 Flash Eurobarometer 1 TNS Sofres / EOS Gallup Europe This survey was requested by the United Kingdom Representation of the European Commission and coordinated by DirectorateGeneral Press and 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.

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3 FLASH EUROBAROMETER 1 The United Kingdom and the European Union (Winter 004) Realised by EOS Gallup Europe upon the request of the European Commission (United Kingdom Representation) Survey organised and managed by DirectorateGeneral Press and Communication (Opinion Polls, Press Reviews, Europe Direct) This document does not reflect the views of the European Commission. Any interpretations or opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors alone. SURVEY: December 004/January 005 ANALYTICAL REPORT: January 005 THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004

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5 Flash 1. Table of contents Page 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3. METHODOLOGY 4 3. SUMMARY ON A PAGE 4. RESEARCH RESULTS 4.1 Knowledge of the EU fact or fiction? 4. Knowledge of the EU source Knowledge of the EU preference Media coverage of the European Union Trust in institutions Attitudes toward UK membership of the EU Benefits of EU membership Support for future EU proposals EU Presidency The New Constitution QUESTIONNAIRE 18 ANNEXES THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 3

6 . Methodology ICM Research interviewed a random sample of,001 adults aged 15+ by telephone between 1 st December 004 and th January 005. Equal numbers of interviews were achieved in each Government Office region of the country thereby enabling statistical comparisons between the regions. Data within each region was weighted to the profile of all adults in that area (weighted regional sample sizes in brackets below). To obtain data representative of the whole country, data was then weighted to reflect the regional distribution of the population. NORTH EAST... INTERVIEWS () NORTH WEST... INTERVIEWS (9) YORKS & THE HUMBER... INTERVIEWS (509) EAST MIDLANDS... INTERVIEWS (4) WEST MIDLANDS... INTERVIEWS (533) EAST OF ENGLAND... INTERVIEWS (544) GREATER LONDON INTERVIEWS (5) SOUTH EAST... INTERVIEWS (8) SOUTH WEST... INTERVIEWS (50) WALES... INTERVIEWS (98) SCOTLAND... INTERVIEWS (519) NORTHERN IRELAND... INTERVIEWS (13) TOTAL (UK)...,001 INTERVIEWS The survey was realised by EOS Gallup Europe in the Winter of 004. However, this survey represents the third wave of the UK and the European Union research programme, with previous waves taking place in the Winters of 003 and 00. A large number of question wording changes have been made this year, but where possible, comparisons have been made with the previous waves of research. The questionnaire is appended to this report. Most of the cross breaks are selfexplanatory, but where the crossbreak labelled locality is defined as follows: Metropolitan Urban areas in the main cities Town/urban Excluding city locations, but including suburban areas and large towns Rural Countryside areas defined as being neither of the above. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 4

7 Interpretation of the data It should be remembered at all times that a sample and not the entire population has been interviewed. Consequently, all results are subject to sampling tolerances, which mean that not all differences are statistically significant. We can, however, predict the variation between the sample results and the true values (if everyone in the population had been interviewed) from knowledge of the size of the samples on which the results are based and the number of times answers are given. The confidence with which we can make this prediction is usually chosen to be 9 that is, the chances are 95 times out of 100 that the true value will fall within a specified range. The table below illustrates the predicted ranges for different sample sizes and the percentage results at the 9 confidence level. SAMPLE SIZE SAMPLING TOLERENCES APPLICABLE TO % S AT OR NEAR OR 90% + / OR 0% + / 50% + / 100 interviews interviews interviews interviews For example, with a sample size of regional interviews where 50% (the worst case scenario as far as tolerances are concerned) give a particular answer, we can be 9 certain that the true value will fall within the range of 4.3 from the sample result. When results are compared between separate groups within a sample (say, between men and women), different results may be obtained. The difference may be real or it may occur by chance (because a sample rather than the entire population has been interviewed). To test if the difference is a real one, i.e. if it is statistically significant, we again have to know the size of the samples, the % giving a certain answer and the degree of confidence chosen. If we assume the 9 confidence level again, the differences between the results of two separate groups must be greater than the values given in the table below: SAMPLE SIZES TO BE COMPARED DIFFERENCES REQUIRED TO BE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT AT OR NEAR OR 90% + / OR 0% + / 50% + / 100 and and and and % 4. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 5

8 3. Summary on a page As many people () are able to correctly answer a high number (4 out of ) of basic statements about the EU as get them (5 or out of ) wrong (), with the majority (5) getting about half right. This might imply that ignorance about the EU is not as deep seated as previously thought, but it does remain the case that considerable confusion exists. For example, more than half were able to answer only one question correctly, and some myths about EU policies supposedly imposed on the UK by the EU are in actual fact are often thought to be true. Printed media and audiovisual media are still the primary search tools for information about the EU, with the Internet growing in popularity. There appears to have been considerably more searches for EUrelated information this year compared to last, which might accord with the fact that European elections have taken place, enlargement occurred and a new constitution is ready for ratification. A clear trend on media coverage is emerging. The UK public are increasingly likely to think that coverage is fair, with the proportion having risen to this year, up from in 003 and 5 in 00. The European Commission is trusted by only one in three (3). In terms of political institutions, this compares unfavourably with the British Parliament (4) but edges the British Government (3). The audiovisual media continues to be most trusted (radio 5 and TV 5), but most people distrust the print media and political parties, on 1 apiece. The UK public support membership of the European Union, but continue to do so with major reservations. Seven in ten think that too many decisions that affect the UK are taken at European level, whilst six in ten think that the pace of EU construction is too fast. Despite these reservations, much of the work undertaken by the EU is thought to have benefited the UK. This particularly includes higher levels of safety in the workplace, protection for consumers and of the environment. Food quality is also thought to be higher as a result. Areas of failure are thought to be unemployment and tackling organised crime and drug trafficking. A majority do support a number of policy developments, particularly teaching children about the way EU institutions work, and forcing the resignation of the President and Commission if they fail to secure majority support in the European Parliament. Enlargement is supported by six in ten with 5 in support of a common defence and security policy. Support for a common foreign policy has grown by points this year although slightly more still oppose this development (44 vs. 4). The UK public remain decisively opposed to the introduction of the euro in the UK (34 vs. 0%). UK presidency in 005 is thought to be a good thing by seven in ten. Opinion is split down the middle on whether the new EU constitution will benefit the UK. A total of 4 think it will, but 4 think not. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004

9 4. RESEARCH RESULTS 4.1 Knowledge of the EU fact or fiction? On the previous two waves of research, a selfperceived measure of EUunderstanding was included, and this generally found that people were largely ignorant about the European Union and had few reservations in admitting it. For example, in 003, 8 admitted that they knew only a little or nothing at all about the EU, its policies and institutions. This year, a more factual based question has been introduced, with the survey attempting to measure the actual depth of EUunderstanding, by asking them to say whether a number of EU statements, were true or false. The statements were: The European Union consists of 0 member states. This is false, preenlargement there were 15 member states, which rose to 5 states in May 004. The UK is the only member state of the EU that did not introduce the euro This is false. Denmark and Sweden have also not done so. A referendum about ratification of the new European Constitution will take place in the UK True. This is scheduled to take place in the new Parliament. The UK will hold the Presidency of the EU in 005 True. The UK will hold the Presidency for the period July to December 005. The EU imposes metric measurements on the UK False. Metrification in the UK is not the result of membership of the EU. Traders are still permitted to display weights and prices in both imperial and metric but not in imperial only. The EU wants to ban the Made in Britain labels and replace it by Made in the EU. False. The European Commission recently produced a document entitled "Made in the EU Origin Marking Working Document of the Commission Services". As the name suggests, this is not a proposal, but merely a consultative document looking at the pros and cons of products being marked with "Made in the EU". It does not contain any plans to ban "Made in Britain" labels. It is perhaps the case that people know more about the EU than they themselves might think. Of the five statements, one in four () managed to correctly answer at least four out of six, whilst a majority (5) correctly answered two or three. A quarter () managed only one, or no correct answers. The table below, however, does show that there is a considerable amount of confusion and that disinformation is deeply ingrained. In fact, on only one out of the six statements did a majority answer correctly that the UK is the only country not to have introduced the euro, and even then, the majority correctly saying false is as small as 5. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004

10 Knowledge on the euro is more concentrated in the SE (5) and SW (5). A majority called the answer incorrectly in Northern Ireland. Men (5) were statistically significantly more likely to answer correctly than women (4), and majorities answering correctly were found in all but the youngest (4) and oldest (4) age groups. % Answering Correctly The UK is the only member state of the EU that did not introduce the euro 5 The UK will hold the Presidency of the EU in A referendum about ratification of the new European Constitution will take place in the UK 4 The EU wants to ban the Made in Britain labels and replace it by Made in the EU 3 The European Union consists of 0 member states The EU imposes metric measurements on the UK 3 Just under half (4) are aware that Britain will hold the EU Presidency in 005 with one in three (3) saying that it will not. A majority providing the correct answer was only found in the South East (5), although exactly half in Wales (50%) answered correctly on this. Those people in the North of England were most confused, with as many (3) answering incorrectly as correctly (3), with a further one in four () not knowing either way. Men were again (5) statistically significantly more likely to know than women (3) and the older people are the more likely they are to know that the presidency will be held in Britain this year. There has been a considerable amount of recent press coverage in the UK on a proposed referendum on the new EU Constitution, but the general public appear to have forgotten or failed to notice it. Only 4 do know there is a referendum currently planned, with almost as many () failing to realise. Men (4) are 1 points more likely than women (3) to know, and once again, there is a consistent increase in awareness with advancing age. Awareness is highest in the South West (4) although still well short of a majority, and lowest in the North (3). The remaining three statements elicit correct responses from between (only) a third and a quarter of the general public. 3 correctly say that the EU does not currently intend to replace Made in Britain labels with Made in the EU labels, whilst slightly fewer (3) correctly state that the EU does NOT consist of 0 member states. Perhaps the enlargement process in 004 has made it more difficult for people to remember the actual number, but since the EU has never consisted of 0 states it comes as something of a surprise to see that nearly half (4) think that it currently does. Indeed, in four regions: Eastern, South West, West Midlands and Northern Ireland at least half of all people, do think so. The statement on metric measurement appears to have caught many people out, with only correctly saying that the EU does NOT impose metric measurements. Seven in ten () got it wrong. Perhaps for many people, this would seem to be a question THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 8

11 of interpretation, as there have been high profile court cases in the UK about market traders refusing to use metric weights, which may well have contributed to the myth that the EU prohibits the Imperial weights system from being used. Whether this is true or not, it is clear that this matter confuses the public more than any other that were put to them within the context of this survey. 4. Knowledge of the EU source The availability of wide ranging sources of information on European Union policies and institutions is something that many members of the UK public are aware of, but that does not imply that their use of those same sources varies over time. Indeed, in terms of most used, there is a high level of consistency over the three waves of The UK & the EU research project. In 003, it was noted that daily newspapers overtook the television as the primary source, and it s equivalent on the 0045 survey printed media (which includes newspapers and magazines) has retained this primary position, used in of all cases. This does, however, represent a slight fall from last year, but still higher than the score obtained in 00. Audiovisual media () remains in second place, some distance clear of the Internet (1). The former ( note that audiovisual media replaced TV on the questionnaire) however, was used on percentage point fewer occasions this year compared to last, whilst the Internet has continued to enjoy greater use. Whilst the number of occasions it was used this year has risen, it is only by point compared to a considerably larger point increase between 00 and 003. Discussions with relatives and friends is the only other source used on more than one in ten occasions (1), which itself is slightly down on last year (1) and indeed 00 (1). Q1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? Printed media Audio visual media 0 The Internet 14 T alks w ith relativres, friends etc 11 Local library 8 Books, brochures, inform ation leaflets Local government 4 Never look/not interested UK government 3 3 Sources used EUinformation offices Trade Unions MEP/MP Telephone hotline Other 1 1 Base: All responses THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 9

12 With three of the leading four sources of information used less frequently this year compared to last, we may speculate that the UK public have sought less information in total on EU polices and institutions than we have seen in the past. The data, however, does not support this at all. Indeed our,000 survey respondents mention a total of just under 1,50 separate information sources used this year (an average of.8 per respondent), compared to only 1,00 last year, at an average of.1 per respondent). Whilst questionnaire source definitions have been revised this year, thereby requiring us to adopt some caution in making such a remark, there are indications that people have more widely scoped for information on more occasions in the past 1 months. It is perhaps relatively easy to speculate as to why people have sought information on more occasions this year. Of course, elections to the European Parliament took place in June (with relatively high turnout in the UK compared to previous European Parliament elections), and the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, proposed ratification of the new European Constitution in a referendum of the UK population people. These two major European issues no doubt focussed the public s attention on matters European more so than previously. In terms of demographic considerations, many previously reported findings still apply. Men remain point more likely than women to use printed media as a information source, as are older members of society compared to younger ( 5+ vs ). Last year, we were rather surprised to find that those people leaving full time education at 1 or younger were more likely to use newspapers as an information source than those staying in school longer, and while the gap has closed this year, they still remain as likely to do so. It is worth repeating that people with few educational qualifications are very likely to read the tabloid press, which is largely against further EU integration. We might suspect that these people are likely to be exposed to antieu arguments on those occasions when they do come across EUbased information. Incidence of Internet access continues to grow in the UK, although the profile of users remains largely the same. In terms of use for EU information purposes, it is again the case that younger people are more likely to use it than older ( 154 vs. 5+). People still in school () or those who left later in life are also more likely to have used the Internet as a search tool than those who left school at an earlier age. 4.3 Knowledge of the EU preference When it comes to sources of information that people would prefer to use, last years deadlock between TV and daily newspapers has been replicated by audiovisual media and printed media, both now on compared to last year when the former descriptions stood on apiece. Obviously, this also implies that the correlation between sources actually used in the year, and those sources that people prefer to use continues to be very high. Perhaps the biggest new finding on this issue, however, is the continued rise of the Internet. More and more people now prefer to use it as an information source, with 1 doing so, compared to 1 last year and in 00. Indeed, the Internet has now overtaken leaflets and brochures as the third most preferred method, although the latter is still preferred by 1, which is itself points higher than last year. These four sources dominate preferences. Whilst respondents were prompted with other sources, hardly anybody actually wanted to use them. This includes the EU telephone hotline. THE UK & THE EU WINTER

13 There are few demographic variations that we would have not suspected, with perhaps the one exception relating to leaflet and brochures. Women (1) are much more likely than men (1) to prefer this method, with men having a slight preference over women with regard to the Internet, and to lesser extent, printed and audiovisual media. Q. In general, how would you prefer to get information about the EU? % prefer Audio visual media Printed media The Internet A leaflet or brochure Telephone h o t lin e Other Don't want EU info None of these ways Base: All responses 4.4 Media coverage of the European Union The third wave of the UK & the EU survey reveals that as far as media coverage is concerned, a clear trend is emerging. As the chart below demonstrates, perceptions of media fairness are growing. Q3. How fairly do you think the media cover European Union affairs? Fairly Unfairly DK 100% % % 5 5 0% Base: All respondents (,001) Wave 1 Wave Wave 3 THE UK & THE EU WINTER

14 For the second successive year, a statistically significant increase in the number of people who think that the UK media treat the European Union fairly is identified. The proportion that thinks it is fair now stands at, although only a small proportion of this group () think it is very fair and the majority think it is quite fair (5). Nevertheless, the rise on 003 is points or a total of points higher than the measure recorded on the benchmark survey. A geographical split also occurs this year in the same way it did last. We have seen that populations in nonenglish regions are more likely to accept that media reporting of the EU is fair, and this remains the case this year. Only in Northern Ireland () and Wales (0%) does the proportion rise to or above seven in ten, whilst it only just fails to hit this mark in Scotland (). Only the English region of the West Midlands can match this (), with the East Midlands and the affluent South East sharing the lowest fairness score of. This year s rise in the proportion who think reporting to be fair is more than matched by the reduction in those who think it to be unfair. Last year, we reported that don t knows had moved into the fair category, but this year it appears to be a solid movement from unfair to fair, with exactly one in four () left bemoaning the nature of unfair reporting. Of these, more do think that that the EU is not very fairly covered (1) rather than not at all fairly covered (). Once more, women () are slightly likely than men () to think that reporting is fair, whilst a strong age correlation appears to exist on this measure. As the table reveals, the younger people are, the more likely they are to consider the reporting to be fair: AGE % who say that reporting is fair In the previous section, it was noted that those people who left fulltime education at an early age were relatively highly likely to use printed media as an EU information source, but that the types of publications that they would read would be disproportionately tabloidbased. Given that younger people are also more likely to think that reporting is fair, we may presume that a sizable proportion of them think it is fair because it is negative toward the EU and it s policies i.e. persuaded by the antiintegration stance of many UK tabloids. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 1

15 4.5 Trust in institutions There has been very little movement in the order of trust of particular institutions in 004. In fact, the rank order remains the same as last year, with the one exception of trade unions moving up one place, probably as a result of the question referring to the European Commission rather than the European Union, as it did on last years survey. In terms of trust in political institutions, the Commission is trusted less (trusted by 3) than the British Parliament (4), but more than the British government (3), which obviously has party political connotations. % Trust 004 Radio 5 Television 5 The British Parliament 4 Trade unions 4 The European Commission 3 The British government 3 Big companies The press 1 Political parties 1 A clear distinction is once again made between audiovisual media, which is trusted most by the UK population people, and the press or print media which has never been particularly trusted because of individual newspaper editorial associations with particular political parties. As such, radio leads the way of trust, quite closely followed by television. This may be thought to be in spite of the fact that the traditionally impartial BBC (Today programme on Radio 4) was castigated for it s reporting of Iraq s weapons of mass destruction availability, something that cost the BBC Chairman and a number of journalists their job, and shook the Corporation to the core. Despite this, it would seem that the public still believe that radio and television media can be trusted far more than other sources. This would include the Parliament at Westminster, trust in which has fallen by points this year, trade unions (also down by points) and the British government (also down by points). The print media is the biggest loser this year, with trust falling from to Attitudes toward UK membership of the EU In terms of general impressions, this survey confirms the story of many others: the public support membership of European Union, but do so with major reservations and believe that too much power has been given to Brussels in conjunction with the ever increasing pace of the European project. In total, six in ten (0%) do agree that UK membership of the EU is a good thing, with nearly as many () agreeing totally as tending to agree (3). One in seven (1) tend to disagree and a hard core of one in five () disagree totally with UK membership. Previous waves of research have shown that the population of Northern Ireland is most inclined to think that UK membership is a good thing, and this is confirmed in 004, with agreeing this is the case. The Welsh () followed by Londoners also provide higher levels of support, with the East Midlands showing the lowest level THE UK & THE EU WINTER

16 (5) along with the South West (5). This does, of course, mean that a majority agree that membership is a good thing in each region of the UK. Men () are points higher than women in their agreement, and younger people are statistically significantly more likely to agree membership is a good thing than old. The table below shows that there is a very strong correlation between age and agreement that EU membership being a good thing: AGE % who think UK membership of the EU is a good thing Metropolitan dwellers () are much more likely to agree than town () or rural dwellers (5). This survey, along with its predecessors confirms that the more people come to know and understand the European Union, the more they come to believe that makes a positive contribution to Britain. Three quarters () of those with high levels of knowledge agree that membership is a good thing for our country, compared with only 0% amongst those with some knowledge and 4 amongst those with little or none. Despite these findings, however, there remain strong reservations amongst the public. First of all, there is stronger agreement that other European member states need the UK more than the UK need Europe. Threequarters () agree with this sentiment, of whom 3 agree totally and tend to agree. Only one in five () disagrees. Similarly, the pace of European construction is faster than many people would like. Well over half (5) agree, rising to in the East Midlands and in the South West. Men and women score identically (5) but older people are more likely to think so than younger. One in three (3) do disagree, and are assumed to be content with the pace of European construction. These include Northern Irish (4), Londoners (4), 534 year olds (4) and metropolitan dwellers (4). As we might suspect, the link between the speed of construction and knowledge is strong, with 4 of those with high EU knowledge disagreeing that the pace is too fast. People who think UK membership is a good thing are as inclined to agree as disagree on this matter (4 respectively). Perhaps the main concern, however, as the chart below demonstrates, is the view that too many decisions are now being taken in Brussels rather than Westminster. Seven in ten () agree with this proposition, with more (4) agreeing totally than tending to agree (). Only a quarter () disagrees with totally disagreeing and 1 tending to disagree. Almost all the demographic and attitudinal splits that we have seen on previous questions also apply here. For example, those people in the East Midlands () and South West () are most inclined to agree, as are older people, rural dwellers, those with low levels of EU knowledge and those who think UK membership of the European Union is a bad thing (8). THE UK & THE EU WINTER

17 Q. For each of the following statements, please tell me if you agree or disagree with it? Agree totally Tend to agree Tend to disagree Disagree totally DK Too many decisions that concern UK are being taken at the European level UK membrship is a good thing for all other European countries The EU's construction is going too fast UK membrship of EU is a good thing for our country % 0% 80% 100% Base: All respondents (,001) 4. Benefits of EU membership UK membership of the EU is thought to have been beneficial to the UK in six out of the nine policy areas that respondents were asked to consider. Foremost amongst them is safety in the workplace, which two in three () say has benefited workers in this country. Consumers are also thought to have benefited, with well over half (5) of the public saying that consumers have been protected, and that food quality has been improved as a result of membership (5). The EU is also thought to have contributed in a positive way to the environment by six in ten (5). % Saying Has % Saying Has Net Benefited Not Benefited Safety in the workplace +41 Protection of consumers Protection of the environment Quality of food products Democracy and individual rights Social policy Fight against terrorism Unemployment 3 5 Organised crime & drug trafficking 3 9 The public is more divided on the issue of democracy and individual rights, but it remains the case that more think that there has been benefit for the UK (5) than think not (4). There are three policy areas, however, where more people think that the UK has not benefited. Chief amongst them is organised crime and drug trafficking, where just under two in three () fail to see much in the way of benefit. Unemployment also scores badly, with many more (5) seeing little, rather than some benefit (3 vs. THE UK & THE EU WINTER

18 5). The fight against terrorism is fairly evenly split, although a negative score is produced, as shown in the table above. 4.8 Support for future EU proposals Despite slight question wording alternations this year, findings on possible future policy developments are quite similar to last year. In fact, the rank order of policy areas by level of support is identical last year, as can be seen in the table below. % For 003 % In Favour 004 Teaching school children about the way EU institutions work 8 The resignation of the President of the European Commission and European Commissioners if they do not have the support of a majority in the European Parliament The enlargement of the EU to include new countries 5 5 A common defence and security policy among other European Union member states 5 5 The EU being responsible for matters that cannot be effectively handled by national, regional and 4 4 local governments One common foreign policy among the member states of the EU, towards other countries 4 4 The introduction of the euro in the UK 3 3 It can be seen that relatively large majorities are in favour of teaching children about the way EU institutions work, resignation of the Commission without majority support within the Parliament, EU enlargement and a common defence policy. There are point falls in the size of support for the leading two policies, but a point increase for enlargement and standstill for common defence and security. It is interesting to note that there was little movement on support for EU enlargement, despite the accession of the candidate countries in 004. A common foreign policy is supported by points more people this year than last, but monetary union is still a prospect that is only favoured by one in three members of the UK public. This is a finding that accords with nearly all polls on this subject conducted by ICM during 004, a year in which a possible referendum on entry to the single currency was effectively ruled out by the Chancellor as a result of the UK failing to meet all of the socalled five economic tests. 4.9 EU Presidency 005 The United Kingdom is due to take up the Presidency of the EU in 005, and for seven in ten (0%) this is considered to be a good thing. Many more think it is a good thing (5) rather than the more definitive very good thing (1). Only one in five () consider it to be a bad thing, of whom only think it is very bad and 1 think it is bad. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 1

19 Q5. Do you think that for the UK it is a good thing or a bad thing to hold the presidency of the EU for a period of six months in 005? thing thing DK 100% % % % T otal Wales E astern SW NI SE Lo ndon Scotlan d N W W est Mids. Y & H East Mids. N orth Base: All respondents (,001) Inhabitants of Wales (), Eastern region () the South West () and Northern Ireland () are most positive toward the UK Presidency, but it has to be said that only the Northern region inhabitants are significantly less enthused by the prospect than others, with considering it to be a good thing this does, of course, still represent an overwhelming majority of people in the region. Men () are slightly more positive toward the UK Presidency than women (), as are younger and middleaged people compared to older, although not by much, as the table below demonstrates. AGE % who say that UK presidency in 005 is a good thing There is a clear divergence of opinion amongst people with different levels of EUknowledge. Four in five (8) of those people who correctly answered at least 5 out of the EU statements consider the UK Presidency to be a good thing, whilst the proportion falls to 0% amongst those with medium levels of EU knowledge, and again falls to 5 amongst those who, at best, answered only one correctly. It is clear that there is a solid link between understanding about the EU and having a positive outlook toward UK occupancy of the Presidency. Indeed, 8 of those people who think membership of the EU generally is a good thing also think that the UK Presidency will also be a good thing. THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 1

20 4.10 The new Constitution There is considerably less agreement, however, on whether the UK will benefit from the new EU constitution. In fact, slightly more people (4) think the UK will not benefit than think it will (4). Majorities of the general public who think some benefit will accrue to the UK can only be found in two regions again both outside of England Wales (5) and Northern Ireland (5). The proportion falls as low as 3 amongst the public in the East Midlands. Q. And do you think that, in general, the UK will benefit or not from the new Constitution of the EU Will benefit Will not benefit DK 100% % 0% % T otal W ales N I Lon d on Eastern Scotland West Mids. NW SE SW Y & H North East Mids. Base: All respondents (,001) Many of the same demographic splits that we have seen elsewhere are also evident on this matter. Men (4) are slightly more optimistic that the country will benefit than women (4), whilst the younger the generation, the more positive they are, as the table below demonstrates. AGE % who think UK will benefit from new EU Constitution Those still in education () are more positive than school leavers (5), particularly those who left at 1 or younger (3 think UK will benefit). Metropolitan dwellers (5) are statistically significantly more positive than urban or town dwellers (4) as well as rural dwellers (). Furthermore, those with a good knowledge of EU matters are more positive (5) that we will benefit than those with little or no knowledge (3) and those who think UK membership of the EU is a good thing are highly inclined to believe the Constitution will benefit the country (). THE UK & THE EU WINTER

21 Flash Eurobarometer (ref: 5083LVTLBA). The UK and the European Union (wave 3). D1. Sex [1] Male [] Female D. Exact Age: [_][_] years old [00] [REFUSAL/NO ANSWER] D3. Age when finished full time education : [EXACT AGE IN DIGITS] [_][_] years old [00] [REFUSAL/ NO ANSWER] [01] [NEVER BEEN IN FULL TIME EDUCATION] [99] [STILL IN FULL TIME EDUCATION] D4. As far as your current occupation is concerned, would you say you are selfemployed, an employee, a manual worker or would you say that you are without a professional activity? [READ OUT LEFT ITEMS THEN ASK TO SPECIFY ( that is to say ) ONLY ONE ANSWER] Selfemployed i.e. : farmer, forester, fisherman owner of a shop, craftsman... 1 professional (lawyer, medical practitioner, accountant, architect, ) 13 manager of a company other (SPECIFY) Employee i.e. : professional (employed doctor, lawyer, accountant, architect) 1 general management, director or top management... middle management,... 3 Civil servant... 4 office clerk... 5 other employee (salesman, nurse, etc )... other (SPECIFY) Manual worker i.e. : supervisor / foreman (team manager, etc ) manual worker... 3 unskilled manual worker other (SPECIFY) Without a professional activity i.e. : looking after the home student (full time)... 4 retired seeking a job other (SPECIFY) (Refusal) D5. Region = "European Administrative Regional Unit" (N.U.T.S. 1) [ DIGITS] D. Type of Locality? metropolitan zone... 1 other town/urban centre... rural zone... 3 THE UK & THE EU WINTER

22 Q1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? [READ OUT ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE] Talks and discussion with relatives, friends, colleagues... 1 Printed media (like newspapers, magazines )... 1 Audiovisual media (TV, radio ).1 The internet, the 1 Books, brochures, information leaflets... 1 MEP/MP... 1 Trade Unions... 1 UK government... 1 Local government... 1 EUinformation offices, EICs Euroinfopoints, Eurolibraries etc The telephone hotline Europe Direct... 1 Your local library... 1 Other... 1 [Never look for such info/not interested]... 1 [DK/NA]... 1 Trend modified FLASHEB 154, Q Q1: 1 question unit Q. In general, how would you prefer to get information about the EU? [READ OUT ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE] A leaflet or a brochure... 1 On the internet... 1 From an audiovisual media (TV/radio )... 1 From a printed media (newspapers, magazines )... 1 From a telephone hotline... 1 Other... 1 [I don't want info about the EU]... 1 [None of these ways]... 1 [DK/ NA]... 1 Trend modified FLASHEB 154, Q3 Q: 1 question unit Q3. How fairly do you think the media cover European Union Affairs? [READ OUT ONE ANSWER POSSIBLE] Very fairly... 1 Quite fairly... Not very fairly... 3 Not at all fairly... 4 [DK/ NA]... 5 Trend FLASHEB 154, Q4 Q3 1 question unit THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 0

23 Q4. For each of the following statements, please tell me if you think it is true or false? True...1 False... [DK/NA]...3 [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] a. The European Union consists of 0 member States b. The UK is the only member State of the European Union that did not introduce the euro c. A referendum about the ratification of the new European Constitution will take place in the UK d. UK will hold the presidency of the European Union in e. The EU imposes metric measurements on the UK f. The EU wants to ban the made in Britain labels and replace it by made in the EU NEW Q4 1.5 question unit Q5. Do you think that for the UK it is a good or a bad thing to hold the presidency of the EU for a period of six months in 005? [READ OUT ONE ANSWER ONLY] A very good thing... 1 A good thing... A bad thing... 3 A very bad thing... 4 [Neither good nor bad]... 5 [DK/NA]... NEW Q5: 1 question unit Q. And do you think that, in general, the UK will benefit or not from the new Constitution of the EU? [READ OUT ONE ANSWER ONLY] Will benefit from it... 1 Will not benefit from it... [DK/NA]... 3 NEW Q: 1 question unit THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 1

24 Q. For each of the following statements, please tell me if you agree or disagree with it? Agree totally...1 Tend to agree... Tend to disagree...3 Disagree totally...4 [DK/NA]...5 [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] a. UK's membership of the European Union is a good thing for our country b. UK's membership of the European Union is a good thing for all other European countries c. The EU s construction is going too fast d. Too many decisions that concern UK are being taken at the European level NEW Q: 3.33 question units Q8. Please tell me for each statement, whether you are in favour of it or opposed to it. ly in favour...1 Rather in favour... Rather opposed...3 ly opposed...4 [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] a. The introduction of the euro in the UK b. One common foreign policy among the member states of the European Union, towards other countries c. A common defence and security policy among the European Union member states d. The enlargement of the European Union to include new countries e. The European Union being responsible for matters that cannot be effectively handled by national, regional and local governments f. The resignation of the President of the European Commission and the European Commissioners if they do not have the support of a majority in the European Parliament g. Teaching school children about the way European Union institutions work Trend Modified FLASHEB 154, Q8 Q8: 3.33 question units THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004

25 Q9. I would like to ask you a question about how much trust you have in certain institutions. For each of the following institutions, please tell me if you trust it or not? [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] Yes No [It depends] [DK/NA] The press Radio Television Trade unions Political parties Big companies The British government The British Parliament (House of Commons) The European Commission [None of these] [DK/NA] Trend modified FLASHEB 154, Q9 Q9: question units Q10. For each of the following areas, do you think that our country has benefited or not from its EU membership? [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] Has benefited... 1 Has not benefited... [DK/NA]... 3 a. Social policy b. Protection of the environment c. Quality of food products d. Protection of consumers e. Unemployment f. Organised crime and drug trafficking g. Fight against terrorism h. Democracy and individual rights i. Safety in workplace NEW Q10: 1.5 question unit THE UK & THE EU WINTER 004 3

26 Q9. I would like to ask you a question about how much trust you have in certain institutions. For each of the following institutions, please tell me if you trust it or not? [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] Yes No [It depends] [DK/NA] The press Radio Television Trade unions Political parties Big companies The British government The British Parliament (House of Commons) The European Commission [None of these] [DK/NA] Trend modified FLASHEB 154, Q9 Q9: question units Q10. For each of the following areas, do you think that our country has benefited or not from its EU membership? [READ OUT ROTATE ONE ANSWER PER LINE] Has benefited... 1 Has not benefited... [DK/NA]... 3 a. Social policy b. Protection of the environment c. Quality of food products d. Protection of consumers e. Unemployment f. Organised crime and drug trafficking g. Fight against terrorism h. Democracy and individual rights i. Safety in workplace NEW Q10: 1.5 question unit THE UK & THE EU WAVE 3 3

27 ANNEXES

28 The UK & The European Union Table 1 Q.1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? Page 1 North North West Yorks & Humberside East Midlands West Midlands Region Eastern Greater London South East South West Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Talks and discussion with relatives, friends, colleagues Printed media (like newspapers, magazines...) 38 0% Audiovisual media (TV, radio..) % The internet, the WWW Books, brochures, information leaflets MEP/MP Trade Unions UK government Local government EUinformation offices, EICs Euroinfopoints, Eurolibraries etc The telephone hotline Europe Direct Your local library Other Never look for such info/not interested Fieldwork Dates : 1st December 004 th January 005

29 The UK & The European Union Table 1 Q.1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? Page Male Sex Female Age or younger 118 Age left FT Education Still in Never had Metropoli tan Locality Other Town/ urban centre Rural zone Talks and discussion with relatives, friends, colleagues Printed media (like newspapers, magazines...) 38 0% % % Audiovisual media (TV, radio..) % % % % The internet, the WWW Books, brochures, information leaflets MEP/MP Trade Unions UK government Local government EUinformation offices, EICs Euroinfopoints, Eurolibraries etc The telephone hotline Europe Direct Your local library Other Never look for such info/not interested Fieldwork Dates : 1st December 004 th January 005

30 The UK & The European Union Table 1 Q.1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? Page 3 Media EU Coverage Fair Unfair High Knowledge of EU Medium Low British Presidency UK Membership Talks and discussion with relatives, friends, colleagues Printed media (like newspapers, magazines...) 38 0% Audiovisual media (TV, radio..) The internet, the WWW Books, brochures, information leaflets MEP/MP Trade Unions UK government Local government EUinformation offices, EICs Euroinfopoints, Eurolibraries etc The telephone hotline Europe Direct Your local library Other Never look for such info/not interested Fieldwork Dates : 1st December 004 th January 005

31 The UK & The European Union Table Q.1. When you are looking for information about the EU, its policies, its institutions, which of the following sources do you use? Base : All Responses Page 4 North North West Yorks & Humberside East Midlands West Midlands Region Eastern Greater London South East South West Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Talks and discussion with relatives, friends, colleagues Printed media (like newspapers, magazines...) Audiovisual media (TV, radio..) The internet, the WWW Books, brochures, information leaflets MEP/MP Trade Unions UK government Local government EUinformation offices, EICs Euroinfopoints, Eurolibraries etc The telephone hotline Europe Direct Your local library Other Never look for such info/not interested Fieldwork Dates : 1st December 004 th January 005