67% WANT VOTE ON EU MEMBERSHIP

TWO thirds of Britons want their chance to vote on our membership of the European Union, a survey shows. The online poll published today reveals 67 per cent want a referendum, including more than half of Labour and Lib Dem voters.

Among Conservatives the figure is 82 per cent – putting more pressure on party leader David Cameron to clarify his position on Europe. Despite campaigning against the Lisbon Treaty – the rehashed EU constitution – the Tories will not say whether they will tear it up in power.

But the furore over the treaty will be re-ignited next month when Ireland holds a second referendum, despite voting against it last year. Labour has denied British voters the chance to vote on the treaty, but today’s survey by Opinium Research suggests Britain could deliver a huge blow to Brussels if ever given the chance to vote on EU membership.

Anger has been fuelled after the Treasury admitted Britain’s net EU contribution will rise by almost 60 per cent to £6.4billion in 2010 – equal to a £260 levy on every British home. UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: “The Irish referendum will put Europe back at the heart of the debate. The question the Tories would rather not face is coming back.”