MORI POLL SAYS BRITISH PEOPLE BACK LIBDEM CALL FOR REFERENDUM ON EUROPE - IN OR OUT

2.41.05pm GMT Mon 3rd Mar 2008

An Ipsos MORI poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed solid support for the party's call for a referendum on Europe, in or out.

The opinion survey, announced by Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg this morning, indicates that "by a margin of more than 2:1, the public prefer our call for a referendum on membership of the European Union, to the Conservative proposal for a referendum only on the Lisbon Treaty."

Lorely Burt MP said:

"The results demonstrate that we are the only political party on the side of the British public on the European referendum.

"It also shows that people understand the huge difference between an honest debate about our future in Europe, and David Cameron's support for a restrictive referendum on the specific details of the Lisbon Treaty.

"This poll will embarrass the Tories hugely as it undermines their claim to speak on behalf of public opinion.

"Only the Liberal Democrats have pressed the case strongly for this referendum to give people a real say in Britain's place in the EU."