attitudes towards the eu in the united kingdom · flash eb no 203 eu attitudes in the uk page 4...

Flash Eurobarometer

Attitudes towards the EU in the United

Kingdom

Analytical Report

Fieldwork: January 2007

Publication: May 2007

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tion

This survey was requested by the EC Representation to the UK and coordinated 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.

European Commission

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Flash EB Series #203

Attitudes towards the EU

in the United Kingdom

Conducted by The Gallup Organisation Hungary/Europe

upon the request of the EC Representation to the United Kingdom

Survey organised and managed by the Eurobarometer Team of DG Communication

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.

THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION

Flash EB No 203 UK attitudes about the EU

Analytical Report, page 3

Introduction

Concerning the attitudes toward the European Union (EU) in the United Kingdom (UK), the European Commission is keeping track of general opinion, levels of knowledge and information, and familiarity with certain important issues of the British public. The main themes in the report are the following:

self-perceived knowledge of the EU need for more information on the EU knowledge of the EU who should be responsible for keeping people informed about the EU areas on which the British would prefer more information information channels EU laws benefits of EU membership opportunities provided by EU membership awareness of several benefits and projects related to the EU the next big action area for the EU

This study is continuing on from an earlier Flash Eurobarometer survey undertaken in 2002. The content of the questionnaires, however, changed substantially to reflect the changing reality within the EU and the UK. This report sums up the most important attitudes regarding the EU in 12 regions of the UK. The survey�s fieldwork was carried out between the 5th and the 28th of January 2007. Over 6,000 randomly selected citizens aged 16 years and older were interviewed in the 12 Government Regions of the UK; roughly 500 respondents were in each region. Interviews were carried out via landline telephone. To correct for sampling disparities, a post-stratification weighting of the results was implemented based on important socio-demographic variables.

Flash EB No 203 EU Attitudes in the UK

page 4

Main findings

Overall � no great improvement in the UK�s attitudes towards the EU There has been no significant improvement in the attitudes of UK citizens towards the EU. On the positive side, though, half of the people questioned feel that EU membership has brought benefits: from the free market of goods, a cleaner environment and that now the UK has more say in trade negotiations. However, the bad news far outweighs the good:

fewer citizens now see the positive effects of the EU on working conditions and the benefits of the Single Market compared to the numbers registered in 2006

information about new EU initiatives only reaches one in two UK citizens at best

awareness about the availability of the EU�s information sources remains low

Surprisingly, however, for all the problems mentioned as being serious (fighting terrorism, climate change, global poverty, etc.), the vast majority of UK citizens � over 80% on all issues � believe that the EU has a role to play. Effective communications Public communications about the EU�s efforts to improve the lives of its citizens vary in effectiveness across the UK. In the best case, information about new measures reaches one in two UK citizens; in other cases, it only reaches about a quarter of the population.

The best known of the EU�s initiatives are food safety standards (54% recognition), the regulation of international roaming charges for mobile phones (50%), the Bathing Water and Blue Flag guide (50%), and the European Health Insurance Card (52%). However, awareness of the last-named has declined considerably since the 2006 survey (down from 65% to 52%).

Knowledge about information sources

Relatively few British people know about the EU�s information sources and there has been no improvement in the past year. Less than two in 10 of the UK�s citizens are aware of the available sources, such as the European Public Information Centres (EPICs) (15% awareness) and the EUROPA website (14%). The numbers have gone down for each of the information resources since the 2006 survey.

European news in the media As only half of the British population is interested in European news, there is obviously much scope for improvement. Television is generally seen to be more objective than the printed press, with the latter seen by many citizens to be overly negative about the EU.

Roughly one-third feel that British TV and radio services are objective about the EU; while more people (38%) feel the British press is too negative on the issue.

Graduates are far more likely than the average UK citizen to feel that the press it too negative (52%).

Nearly half (48%) of all UK citizens feel that it is the role of the British government to disseminate information about the EU � nearly 30 percentage points higher than those who feel newspapers and TV should be responsible.



Domestic vs. European interest British people are more interested, and more active, in domestic politics in comparison to EU affairs. The level of political activity and the willingness to participate in elections is especially low for people under the age of 40.

While 70% of British citizens say they participated in the last domestic election, only half as many people (34%) say they voted in the 2004 European elections.

Benefits of the EU The relative majority, just under half of British citizens, see the positive effects of EU membership on trade and environmental preservation. However, in terms of working conditions, peace in Europe and human rights, the majority of British people do not think that EU membership has brought advantages.

Roughly half of UK citizens agree that EU membership has meant consumers benefit from the Single Market, (49%), the environment is cleaner (48%) and the UK has more say in trade negotiations (46%).

Compared to last year, far fewer people see the positive effects of EU membership on

working conditions and trade. It would be worth investigating whether these opinions are based on real experience, a negative media campaign or on poor communications.

The EU�s impact and responsibilities The majority of British citizens see terrorism and climate change as the most serious issues to be tackled. Interestingly, those with a higher level of educational attainment find climate change to be the most important challenge, while people with a lower level of education are more concerned about terrorism. In general, people in Wales and the East of England are more concerned than the rest of the UK about all the issues discussed.

Approximately 90% of British citizens feel that terrorism, climate change, global poverty, the protection of human rights, and the security of energy supplies to be �serious� issues. Furthermore, the �very serious� issues facing the UK are seen as terrorism (61%) and climate change (57%). A resounding 80% or more feel that the EU has a role in tackling these issues.

A snapshot of the UK

East of England residents are among the most aware of EU initiatives, but awareness levels in the North East are lower than the UK average.

Londoners have a high level of interest in all areas of political affairs. North West citizens are the least likely to feel climate change is a serious issue. Residents of Northern Ireland and Scotland report great advantages of EU membership,

while citizens of South East England tend to be negative. In the South West, awareness of EU information sources has dropped noticeably. Welsh citizens are positive about EU initiatives, interested in European affairs and see the

benefits of EU membership. Citizens from Yorkshire and the Humber have a low level of interest in politics and

European affairs. West Midlands residents are highly likely to see terrorism as a very serious issue; people

from the East Midlands see little benefit from EU membership.


page 6

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Main findings ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... 6

1. Awareness of recent EU projects ...................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Increases in food safety standards .................................................................................... 9 1.2 The European Health Insurance Card............................................................................. 10 1.3 Regulation of mobile phone roaming charges................................................................ 12 1.4 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide.............................................................. 14 1.5 Securing energy supplies................................................................................................ 16 1.6 The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State.................. 18

2. Awareness of information resources ................................................................................................ 19

2.1 Regional differences in awareness ................................................................................. 20 2.2 Comparison to the 2006 survey...................................................................................... 21 2.4. Awareness by demographic groupings.......................................................................... 22 2.3 Usage of information resources...................................................................................... 23 2.4 Usage of resources by demographic groups................................................................... 24

3. Stated personal interest about EU or UK affairs .............................................................................. 26

3.1 Interest in European affairs by region and by demographic grouping ........................... 28 3.2 Perception of how British media present the EU ........................................................... 30 3.3 Opinions of British television by region and demographic groups ................................ 31 3.4 Opinions of British radio by region and demographic groups ....................................... 33 3.5 Opinions of British press by region and demographics.................................................. 35 3.6 Institutions responsible for providing EU information................................................... 37

4. Participating in the political process ................................................................................................ 39

4.1. Discussing political matters........................................................................................... 39 4.2. Participation in elections ............................................................................................... 40 4.3. Political interest and participation by region................................................................. 42 4.4. Political interest and participation by demographic group............................................ 43

5. The benefits of EU membership....................................................................................................... 44

6. Concerns over critical issues ............................................................................................................ 52

7. Regional summaries ......................................................................................................................... 59

8. Annex tables..................................................................................................................................... 73

9. Survey Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 97



1. Awareness of recent EU projects

Communication on the EU�s initiatives is not equally effective across the UK. At best, EU news reaches one in two citizens. In some cases, it is only heard by one

in four. For example, awareness of the European Health Insurance Card is lower today compared to 12 months ago.

The British are more knowledgeable about European initiatives affecting their

everyday life than they are about the economic or political decisions taken at the EU level.

Many UK residents are familiar with recent initiatives undertaken by the EU to improve the lives of its citizens and their environment. The programmes that are known by at least half of UK citizens include the improvements in food safety standards (54% recognition), the European Health Insurance Card (52%), the control of mobile phone roaming charges (50%), and the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (50%).

Source:

FLASH EB 203

December 2006 - January 2007

Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens

54

52

50

38

26

50

Improvements in food safety standards

The European Health Insurance Card

Regulation of mobile phone charges

for customers travelling abroad

The Bathing Water report and

Blue Flag guide

Securing energy supplies

The right to vote in local and European

elections in another Member State

Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you

heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents

The awareness of the European Health Insurance Card was higher in 2006 (65%). On the other hand, in 2007, somewhat more people had heard about the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, and the right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State (6 and 3 percentage-point increases since 2006, respectively).


page 8

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens: 2006-2007

52

50

26

65

44

23

The European

Health Insurance

Card

The Bathing Water

report and Blue Flag

guide

The right to vote in

local and European

elections in another

Member State

Fl203 / 2007 Fl185 / 2006


heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents



1.1 Increases in food safety standards

Across all regions of the UK, more than half of the population have heard of the improvements in food safety standards.

The Welsh are significantly more aware of this item (60%) than people in other regions. Just over half of the residents of London are familiar with the new standards. The spread between the highest and lowest levels of awareness by region is not great (a mere 9% difference).

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens, by region


heard of any of the following?

Base: all respondents % by region

60

58

56

56

55

55

55

54

54

53

53

53

51

Wales

Eastern

South West

Northern Ireland

North East

North West

Yorkshire and The Humber

UK

West Midlands

East Midlands

South East

Scotland

London

Improvements in food safety standards

Women and citizens over the age of 55 (both at 59% recognition) are more informed about this topic than other sections of the population. The least-informed set is the youngest - the 15-24 year-old age group - and those respondents still in education (both at 47%).

Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens

Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have

you heard of any of the following?

Base: all respondents % by demo

54

50

59

47

52

56

59

56

55

56

47

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Improvements in food safety standards: recognition by sex, age and education

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 10

1.2 The European Health Insurance Card

There are significant variations in the awareness of the European Health Insurance Card across the UK. In the East of England and Wales, significantly more people

have heard about it than in the Northern regions

Again, more than half of UK respondents have heard about the European Health Insurance Card (52%), though in this instance, a wider gap exists between the best and the least informed. Nearly six out of 10 (58%) residents of the East of England region are aware of the insurance card, the highest rate in the UK. Less than half of the people residing in the North East and the North West (both 44%), have heard of the European Health Insurance Card, representing a 14 percent difference between the best and the least informed.

Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region




58

56

54

54

54

54

52

51

51

51

49

44

44

Eastern

Wales

West Midlands

London

South East

South West

UK


East Midlands

Scotland

Northern Ireland

North East

North West


Source:

FLASH EB 203


The awareness of the European Health Insurance Card is highest among women (55%) and those in the 40-54 year-old group (57%), as well as among those with the highest education levels (60%). The demographic group that is the least informed is the youngest, those between 15 and 24 years of age (44%).



Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and education


heard of any of the following?


52

48

55

44

48

57

54

47

51

60

47

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education



page 12

1.3 Regulation of mobile phone roaming charges

Being informed about the regulations concerning mobile phone roaming charges correlates with educational attainment; those with the highest levels are much

more likely to be aware of these EU rules.

Half of the UK�s residents have heard of the regulations enacted by the EU to control mobile phone roaming charges. Those in the East of England are again most aware, as 58% claim to have heard of this programme. Less than half of the residents from several regions know about the regulations, the least informed being in the East Midlands (46%) and the North West (45%).

Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region




58

54

52

52

52

51

50

49

49

48

48

46

45

Eastern

Wales

West Midlands

London

Northern Ireland

South East

UK


Scotland

North East

South West

East Midlands

North West

Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad

Source:

FLASH EB 203




The age group most likely to have heard of the EU�s regulation concerning mobile phone roaming charges is the one with citizens aged between 25 and 39 (55%). Education appears to be the biggest determinant in awareness: graduates are those most likely to be aware of this initiative (58%), while people leaving school before the age of 16 are the least likely to be familiar (39%). This represents a difference of almost 20 percentage points.

Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and

education




50

50

50

50

55

53

45

39

52

58

46

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 14

1.4 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide

One in two British citizens knows about the Bathing Water report and the Blue Flag guide. People over 40, the Welsh and those from the South West

are the most knowledgeable about these issues. Half of the UK residents are familiar with the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, up 6% from the previous year�s survey. Substantial regional differences exist as the proximity to water and bathing cultures vary throughout the UK. Residents of Wales (62%) and the South West (60%) are far more conscious of such programmes than the land-locked Londoners (42%). Other regions, like Scotland (43%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (44%) are equally unaware, despite their proximity to the coast.





62

60

55

54

52

50

50

50

47

46

44

43

42

Wales

South West

Eastern

Northern Ireland

South East

UK

North West

East Midlands

North East

West Midlands


Scotland

London

The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide

Source:

FLASH EB 203




Those with the highest level of education are more aware of these initiatives than others (59%), while those still in education are much less likely to have heard of this (26%) � a highly significant difference. Age is also a factor. Only 25% of the 15- to 24-year-olds have heard about the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, yet well over half (59%) of those aged 40-54 have knowledge of the programmes.


education




50

50

49

26

45

59

56

49

50

59

26

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 16

1.5 Securing energy supplies

The EU�s efforts to secure energy supplies are not apparent to British citizens. All in all, one-third of UK residents have heard about this subject,

especially those with a higher level of education. Only 38% of respondents have heard about the EU�s efforts to secure energy supplies, which is much less than the previously-mentioned initiatives. A spread of less than 10 percentage points exists between the most informed on this topic, those residing in the South East and Wales (both 41%), and the least informed, the residents of Northern Ireland (34%).





41

41

40

39

39

38

38

37

37

35

35

35

34

South East

Wales

West Midlands

North East

South West

UK

East Midlands

North West

London


Eastern

Scotland

Northern Ireland


Source:

FLASH EB 203




Education again plays the greatest role in appreciation of this topic. Graduates (43%) are the most aware of the energy supplies initiative; those who are still in education (31%) are the least aware. Awareness also rises with age: the youngest group is the least aware (32%), and the oldest group is the most aware (41%).

Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by age, sex and

education




38

38

38

32

38

38

41

38

37

43

31

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 18

1.6 The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State

This EU initiative is not on the UK�s radar. Only slightly more than one-quarter of even the better-educated UK citizens know they have the

right to vote in another Member State.

This EU effort is by far the least well-known throughout the UK, as only 25% of the population claim to have heard of it. Londoners (30%) and residents of Northern Ireland (30%) are the most aware of the measure. The region the least informed is Yorkshire and the Humber (21%).





30

30

29

27

27

26

26

25

25

24

24

23

21

London

Northern Ireland

North West

West Midlands

Scotland

UK

South West

East Midlands

Wales

North East

South East

Eastern


The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State

Source:

FLASH EB 203


No significant differences related to age, sex or education actually exist. The least familiar group with their rights to vote in other Member States are those who left school before the age of 16 (22%). However, even the most aware group � graduates � only reach 28%.


education




26

26

26

25

26

27

26

22

26

28

27

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State

Source:

FLASH EB 203




2. Awareness of information resources

Relatively few British citizens are aware of the main

EU information channels The EU offers a variety of resources to provide information about the EU to its citizens; most are housed in traditional �bricks and mortar� establishments. However, one resource, the EUROPA website, is, of course, on the Internet. Most well-known by UK residents (15%) are the European Public Information Centres (EPICs) housed at local libraries throughout the UK, as well as the EUROPA website itself (14%). But with only 15% of the population reporting that they have heard about these two resources, it�s fair to say that awareness is low throughout the UK. Even fewer people, almost half as many (8%), have heard about the Euro Info Centres (EICs), which supply information on topics such as business law, tax law, and contracts to SMEs, and the European Documentation Centres (EDCs), which distribute relevant EU information to students and academics. Even less well-known are the Europe Direct Centres (6%), which can provide answers to a variety of institutional questions about the EU.1

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of resources and providers of EU information

15

14

8

6

8

European Public

Information

Centres (EPICs)

The EUROPA

website

Euro Info Centres

(EICs)

European

Documentation

Centres (EDCs)

Europe Direct

centres

Q2. There is a network of sources � and providers of EU information available to UK citizens.

Which of the following have you heard about?

Base: all respondents

1 http://ec.EUROPA.eu/unitedkingdom/information/eu_information_in_the_uk/index_en.htm#1

http://ec.EUROPA.eu/unitedkingdom/information/eu_information_in_the_uk/index_en.htm#1


page 20

2.1 Regional differences in awareness

Although there are some regional differences in the awareness of the EU�s information resources � all rates are relatively low.

The awareness of European Public Information Centres (EPICs) ranges from 12% to 19% across the regions: Respondents in the North East and in the East Midlands know of the centres in the highest numbers (19%), while people in London are least likely to have heard about them (12%). There are no statistically significant differences between the regions that are the most and least aware of the EUROPA website. The Welsh and the Northern Irish are the groups who claim to have heard about the website the most, at 16%, while the regions with the lowest levels of awareness are the North West and the East Midlands at 12%. A regional difference does exist regarding awareness of the Euro Info Centres (EICs). Residents of Wales (12%) have heard about EICs in the greatest numbers. On the other hand, people living in the East of England region and the South East are half as likely (6%) to have heard about EICs. In general, few UK residents, only one in 10, have heard about the European Documentation Centres (EDCs). This information resource is the least well known in the South East (5%) and somewhat more prominent in Wales (11%), relative to the other regions. National awareness of Europe Direct Centres is a mere 6%, and no regional differences exist. Only 5-8% of the population have heard about these centres throughout the regions.

Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, by region

UK

North East

North West


East Midlands

West Midlands

Eastern

London

South East

South West

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Q2. There is a network of sources � and providers of EU information available to UK

citizens. Which of the following have you heard about?


15

19

16

19

14

15

12

13

14

17

14

17

17

European Public

Information Centres

14

14

12

12

13

13

14

13

13

16

15

16

14

The EUROPA

website

8

9

7

8

9

6

10

6

7

12

8

11

10

Euro Info

Centres

8

10

8

8

9

9

8

5

8

11

8

8

9

European Documen-

tation Centres

6

8

7

5

6

5

5

5

6

8

5

7

6

Europe Direct Centres

Source:

FLASH EB 203




2.2 Comparison to the 2006 survey

The public awareness of these information resources has not increased in the last year.

Compared to the previous survey, the awareness of all of the information resources has decreased by a few percentage points. The largest decrease is for awareness of the EUROPA website, which fell from 21% in 2006 to 14% in the current survey.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, 2006-2007

15

14

8

18

21

12

9

8

European Public

Information

Centres (EPICs)

The EUROPA

website

Euro Info Centres

(EICs)

European

Documentation

Centres (EDCs)

Fl203 / 2007 Fl185 / 2006

Q2. There is a network of sources � and providers of EU information available to UK citizens.



Awareness of the EUROPA website decreased the most in London (from 27% to 14%) and in the East of England (from 24% to 13%), where, previously, about one-quarter of the population had heard of it.

Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, by region

UK

North East

North West


East Midlands

West Midlands

Eastern

London

South East

South West

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Q2. There is a network of sources � and providers of EU information available to UK



15

19

16

19

14

15

12

13

14

17

14

17

18

18

19

20

19

17

18

19

15

18

20

20

22

17

European Public

Information Centres

14

14

12

12

13

13

14

13

13

16

15

16

21

21

19

19

18

18

24

27

21

20

22

22

20

14

The EUROPA

website

8

9

7

8

9

6

10

6

7

12

8

11

12

11

12

12

11

11

12

14

9

10

15

12

16

10

Euro Info

Centres

8

10

8

8

9

9

8

5

8

11

8

8

9

8

9

8

11

8

10

11

8

9

8

8

9

9

European Documen-

tation Centres

Fl203 / 2007 Fl185 / 2006

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 22

2.4. Awareness by demographic groupings

The awareness of tools such as EPICs and the EUROPA website has reached 20% of the most receptive target groups, those under 25 years of age and those still in the educational system. Communication about

the other resources is ineffective across all demographic groups. There are no significant differences between men and women as regards awareness of information resources. EPICs are most recognised by those below 25 years of age (22%) and those still in the education system (19%), than by other groups. It is interesting to note that graduates (11%) are less aware about EPICs than non-graduates (16%). The awareness of the EUROPA website is also the highest among those younger than 25 (19%), graduates (19%) and those still in the education system (22%). As regards the awareness of the rest of the resources there are no differences among the various demographic groups.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Awareness of resources and providers of EU information: by age, sex and education

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Q2. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK citizens.



15

14

16

22

13

14

14

16

16

11

19

European Public

Information Centres

14

14

13

14

12

12

10

12

19

22

19

The EUROPA

website

8

8

9

10

8

9

7

8

9

7

8

Euro Info

Centres

8

8

8

11

7

7

8

7

9

7

9

European Documen-

tation Centres

6

6

6

9

4

6

5

6

6

3

8

Europe Direct Centres



2.3 Usage of information resources

Making information resources known is important because those who are aware of them are the most likely to become users of such services.

Among the UK citizens who have already heard about the above information resources, the highest proportion (40%) utilizes the EUROPA website to obtain EU-related information. Half as many people who are aware of, and use, the EUROPA website make use of the EICs (22%) and European Documentation Centres (EDCs, 20%). Among those who are familiar with EPICs, only about one out of every seven people (15%) has subsequently made use of f their services. Since 2006, the proportion of UK citizens who have heard of, and used, these information channels has not changed significantly.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Network of EU information

14

15

8

8

21

18

12

9

The EUROPA website.That is the main

homepage of the European

Institutions.

European Public Information Centres

(EPICs).

Euro Info Centres (EICs).

European Documentation Centres

(EDCs).

40

15

22

20

39

16

19

20

Q2. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK



Q6. And did you use any of the following to get EU-related information?

Base: those who heard about the sources

Heard of � Used �


page 24

2.4 Usage of resources by demographic groups

Use of the various information resources corresponds primarily with the level of education and age. Graduates, and citizens younger than 50, are characteristically the

heaviest users of these facilities. EUROPA Website Women who have heard of the EUROPA website are much less likely to use it (36%) than their male counterparts (43%). The 40-54 years-old age group is the one most likely to surf the pages of the EUROPA website (49%). The least likely users are those over 55 (25%). As the years spent in the education system increase, so does their usage rates of the EUROPA website. However, those respondents still in the educational system are the ones most likely to use the site (54%). Euro Info Centres Again, males (24%) are more likely to have heard about, and use, EICs, than females (19%). Age is not a factor in EICs utilisation, except for the oldest (over 55) respondents: Roughly one-quarter (23-25%) of UK residents aged 15-54 claim to have used these facilities, however, only 15% of those aged 55+ have ever used the centres. The graduate group is the one most likely to use the EIC services, (28%). European Documentation Centres With the intent of the European Documentation Centres being to disseminate EU information to students and researchers, it is not unexpected to find people with more than 20 years of schooling (31%) to be the largest group of users. Males (25%) are 11 percentage points more likely to have used these Centres than females (14%). Though sex does play a role in usage, age is not a determinant until people reach 55 years old, at which point they claim to be slightly less likely to use this service (16% compared to 21-23% for all other age brackets). Europe Direct Centres The range of services and information available at Europe Direct Centres are most often used by people aged 25-39 (29%) and graduates (30%). Several other demographic response rates post percentages that are roughly half of these two groups: non-graduates (17-18%), as well as those aged 15-24 (16%) and 40-54 (11%). Men and women (18% - 19%) are evenly split. European Public Information Centres Regardless of demographic groups, less than two in 10 UK residents, who have heard of EPICs, use their services. No significant differences, based on age, sex or education exist.



Usage of resources and providers of EU information: by sex, age and education

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Q6. And did you use any of the following to get EU-related information?

Base: those who heard about the sources

40

43

36

42

49

25

22

34

51

54

44

The EUROPA

website

22

24

19

23

25

23

15

16

21

28

22

Euro Info

Centres

20

25

14

22

21

23

16

12

18

31

21

European Documen-

tation Centres

19

19

18

16

29

11

21

17

16

30

18

Europe Direct

Centres

15

17

14

15

14

18

15

16

15

17

13

European Public

Information Centres

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 26

3. Stated personal interest about EU or UK affairs

Half of British citizens are interested in European events, compared to two

out of three people who follow national news. When asked to report their interest level in public affairs, a resounding two-thirds of UK citizens (66%) claimed to be interested (either very or fairly interested) in domestic issues, while one-third had no interest. The same question was asked in relation to European affairs, and the results were evenly split. Slightly more than half of the UK population (53%) has an interest in European affairs, whereas just less than half have no interest in this topic (46%).

66

53

33

46

Domestic affairs European affairs

Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all

interested in ...


Stated personal interest of domestic and European affairs% interested (very and fairly interested)

% not interested (not and not interested at all)

Not InterestedInterested

Source:

FLASH EB 203




A subsequent question looked at the number of UK citizens who were interested in both domestic and European affairs. The results show that nearly half of all British citizens (49%) are interested in both domestic and European issues, while just less than one-third (30%) have no interest in either of these topics. About one-fifth (17%) are only interested in domestic events, and a mere 4% only have an interest in European issues. When the results of the responses to the questions pertaining to European affairs are combined, one can see that somewhat more than half (53%) of British citizens show an interest toward topics that have a European focus.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


in terested both

in do m estic an d

Eu ropean affairs,

49

n ot in terested in

an y o f th em , 30

in terested on ly in

dom estic affairs,

17

in terested o n ly in

Eu ropean affairs,

4


interested in ...


Interest in domestic and European affairs%interested (very and fairly interested)

% not interested (not and not interested at all)


page 28

3.1 Interest in European affairs by region and by demographic grouping Almost 60% of Londoners like to keep in touch with European affairs, making it the regional group with the most interest. Those living in the North East have the least interest in Europe, with slightly less than half (45%) of people in this region reporting an attraction.

Source:

FLASH EB 203



% not interested (not and not interested at alor DK/NAl)

54

52

51

51

51

51

49

49

46

47

43

42

41

5

3

4

4

4

3

4

4

6

4

4

4

4

15

17

20

19

18

16

17

17

19

19

17

18

17

26

28

25

27

27

30

29

30

29

30

36

36

38

London

South East

Northern Ireland

Wales

South West

Scotland

Eastern

UK

West Midlands

North West


East Midlands

North East

interested in domestic and in European affairs as well interested only in European affairs

interested only in domestic affairs not interested in both

11


interested in ...


When looking at the demographic breakdown, it is clear that level of education plays the greatest role in determining the interest in European affairs. Among graduates, there is a great level of interest (75%) in European affairs. A much lower level of interest (35%) is shown by those who left school before the age of 16. No significant difference between the sexes is present, and age only plays a role for the youngest group, 15-24 year-olds. All other age brackets show no significant differences amongst each other, but less than half of those aged 15-24 have an interest in European affairs (44%) while all other age groups show more interest (52-58%).



Source:

FLASH EB 203



% not interested (not and not interested at all or DK/NA)

49

48

49

38

49

54

48

35

46

72

43

4

5

4

6

4

4

4

5

4

3

8

17

19

16

13

16

18

21

20

19

14

13

30

29

31

43

31

24

28

40

31

1 1

37

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

interested in domestic and in European affairs as well interested only in European affairs

interested only in domestic affairs not interested in both

11


interested in ...



page 30

3.2 Perception of how British media present the EU

Only one-third of British citizens think that the broadcast media (TV and radio) are objective in regard to the EU. The printed press are held in

even less regard in this matter. UK citizens were asked their opinions about British media outlets and their portrayal of the EU. Roughly one-third of the British say that the EU is objectively represented by British television (36%) and radio (33%), while slightly less feel that the press (27%) is objective in its reporting on the EU. The number of UK residents who feel that TV and radio depict the EU objectively is matched by the number that believe the media exaggerate by presenting the EU either too negatively (25%, TV; 17%, radio) or too positively (14%, TV; 12%, radio). A significantly greater number of people find the press to be too negative (38%) in its representation of the EU in comparison to those saying it is objective, while a much smaller 13% feel that the depiction by the press is too positive. Approximately one-quarter of British citizens are unable to form an opinion about how British television (25%) and press (22%) present the EU; an even greater number � four in 10 - (39%) are unsure about radio�s portrayal.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Perception of the British media (in its treatment of the EU)

14

12

13

25

17

38

36

33

27

25

22

39

Television

Radio

Press

Too positive Too negative Objective DK/NA

Q4. Do you think that the British ... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or

objectively?


Total %



3.3 Opinions of British television by region and demographic groups

Opinions on the British TV are controversial. Four out of 10 British citizens believe that this medium is biased in regard to European news,

while only three in 10 believe it to be objective. Up to four in 10 British citizens regard their national television channels to be objective in their depiction of the EU, depending on their region. Those in the South West, Wales and Scotland (all 40%), are the ones most likely to find British television to be objective, while residents of the East Midlands (30%) find it to be least so. The latter was the region that had the highest number of residents who had no opinion (33%).

British Television, perceptions of its treatment of the EU: by region

14

15

12

12

13

16

16

15

13

13

14

13

14

25

25

25

23

24

27

24

27

25

25

29

22

32

36

33

36

36

30

34

35

37

36

40

40

40

35

25

27

28

29

33

24

26

21

26

22

17

25

20

UK

North East

North West


East Midlands

West Midlands

Eastern

London

South East

South West

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered

Q4. Do you think that the British ... presents the European Union too positively, or too

negatively, or objectively?


% by region

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 32

Within demographic groups, the greatest divide among UK residents who feel that British television is objective in its portrayal of the EU is present between those that left school at 15 (26%) and graduates (43%). The latter are also the most likely to say that British television is too negative about the EU (32%); at the same time, those that left school at an early age are the least apt to form an opinion about how British television illustrates EU news (35%). Looking at age and how it affects opinions about objectivity, there is an approximate 10 percentage-point split between the groups with citizens younger than 55 (all between 39% and 41%), and those over that age (29%).

British Television: opinions on its treatment of the EU: by sex, age, level of

education

14

17

11

17

13

13

14

15

16

9

14

25

27

23

21

25

27

26

24

23

32

24

36

36

36

39

41

39

29

26

37

43

41

25

21

29

23

22

21

31

35

25

16

20

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education





% by demo

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203




3.4 Opinions of British radio by region and demographic groups

Many citizens are not able to form an opinion about whether the EU is presented objectively on the radio. This uncertainty is especially high among those over 50, and those who left school at 15. On the other hand, graduates

tend to feel the radio is impartial in this matter. There is far more uncertainty about the depiction of the EU by British radio news services. As examples, nearly half (47%) of citizens in Yorkshire and the Humber and 28% of Welsh residents have no opinion to share about the stances taken by such services. Overall, one-third of British citizens feel that radio is objective with regard to its EU reporting, with those in the North East (29%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (29%) the least likely to agree. The highest numbers reporting that radio is objective come from Wales (39%). A small minority, overall, believes that British radio is biased, i.e. it is either too negative (17%) or too positive (12%).

British Radio, perceptions of its treatment of the EU: by region

12

13

9

11

11

13

10

15

10

14

14

10

13

17

14

16

13

16

19

17

16

19

15

19

16

23

33

29

35

29

30

31

36

35

32

37

39

30

30

39

44

40

47

43

36

37

34

39

34

28

43

35

UK

North East

North West


East Midlands

West Midlands

Eastern

London

South East

South West

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland





% by region

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 34

In terms of demographic breakdown, the level of education appears to be the largest determinant, as more than half of the people that left school at 15 (52%) had no opinion on the subject. Those over 55, (47%) are the most likely to lack an opinion, and women (43%) were more likely than men to be in that category. Graduates (45%) seem to find radio to be objective. Nearly four out of 10 of those aged 25-54 (38%) agree that radio is objective. Overall, just slightly more people find radio to be more negative toward the EU (17%) than positive (12%).

British radio�s treatment of the EU: opinions by sex, age and education

12

13

10

18

11

9

12

13

13

8

14

17

20

14

17

18

18

15

16

15

20

20

33

33

33

33

38

38

25

20

34

45

35

39

34

43

32

34

36

47

52

38

28

32

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education





% by demo

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203




3.5 Opinions of British press by region and demographics

While, in general, a third of British citizens agree that news about the EU is represented too negatively in the printed press, half of the

graduate population are of this opinion. A plurality of UK citizens (38%) is of the opinion that news in the print media presents the EU rather negatively, the largest proportion of the three media types included in this survey. Forty-two percent of Welsh citizens agree that the press is too negative, the highest reported level, while the lowest level can be found in the North West at 31%. Conversely, only 9% (Scotland) and 15% (in the North East, North West and Wales) of British citizens find their press to be too positive on the subject (13% UK wide). Approximately one-quarter of all British citizens regard the printed press to be objective in their EU reporting, and nearly the same amount (22%) are unable to form an opinion about newspapers in this respect.

The British press and its treatment of the EU: perceptions by region

13

15

15

11

13

13

14

14

11

13

15

9

14

38

36

31

37

35

40

39

40

39

39

42

37

40

27

23

29

25

23

23

27

29

28

25

27

34

27

22

26

25

28

30

23

20

18

21

23

16

20

19

UK

North East

North West


East Midlands

West Midlands

Eastern

London

South East

South West

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland





% by region

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 36

Opinions about the press differ in regard to respondents� levels of education; half of those with the highest levels (52%) believe that the UK press is negatively biased; conversely, barely one-third (29%) of people that left school at 15 years of age agree. The age brackets below the age of 55 show no significant differences in their opinions about the press�s negativity. However, the oldest citizens (over 55) are the least likely to agree with the younger ones (31%). Slightly more men (41%) than women (35%) reported that the press is negative in its portrayal of the EU.

British press and its treatment of the EU: perceptions by sex, age and

education

13

14

12

15

10

11

17

17

14

6

14

38

41

35

38

41

43

31

29

35

52

40

27

26

28

28

29

27

26

23

29

27

27

22

20

25

19

20

20

27

31

22

15

20

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education





% by demo

11

Source:

FLASH EB 203




3.6 Institutions responsible for providing EU information

The British government is seen as the body to be held responsible for providing citizens with information about EU issues.

A near majority of UK citizens (48%) agree that it should be the responsibility of the British government to keep the populace informed about the EU and its decisions. Nineteen percent feel that it is the responsibility of the media to disseminate this information, and nearly the same proportion (16%) said this is the role of local government. In the opinion of British citizens, EU information centres in the UK, EU institutions, or political parties do not have primary roles in keeping citizens informed (5%, 4%, and 3%, respectively). The same questions were asked of British citizens in 2006 and there are no significant changes to report. The British government is favoured by even more people (just up slightly to 48% from 46% in 2006), and so too are media outlets (from 15% in 2006 to 19% this year). Slightly less people in 2007 (5%) than in 2006 (10%) feel that EU information centres in the UK should be responsible for keeping the public informed about �Europe�.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its

decisions? 2006-2007

Q5. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU

and its decisions?


Total %

46

48

15

19

18

16

10

5

5

4

3

3

3

4

Fl185 / 2006

Fl203 / 2007

The British government Newspapers/television

The local government EU information centres in the UK

EU institutions Political parties

DK/NA


page 38

Anywhere from 38% to 54% of UK citizens, depending on the region, agree that it is the responsibility of the British government to effectively communicate news pertaining to the EU. An above-average number in the South West (54%) and the South East (53%) think that this is the responsibility of the British government, while in Northern Ireland, a much smaller proportion (38%)

agree.


decisions?


and its decisions?


% by region

54

53

52

49

48

48

48

47

45

45

44

42

38

South West

South East

West Midlands

East Midlands

Scotland

UK

North East

Eastern

London


North West

Wales

Northern Ireland

Residents choosing the British government, by region

Source:

FLASH EB 203


By demographic group, women (47%) and men (49%) roughly agree that it is the British government�s responsibility to publicize information about the EU. Half of the 25-39, 40-54, and 55+ age groups (49-50%) feel the same, though the youngest age bracket (15- to 24-year-olds) is well below the mean on this item (38%). The same is true in terms of education in that roughly a majority of all levels (48-51%) feel that the British government should assume this role, except for those who are still in education, where only 34% are likely to agree.


decisions?


and its decisions?


% by demo

48

49

47

38

50

50

49

48

49

51

34

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Those choosing the British government: by sex, age and education

Source:

FLASH EB 203




4. Participating in the political process

4.1. Discussing political matters

When British families discuss political events, they are more likely to focus on national issues than on European political affairs.

An overwhelming majority of British respondents discuss national political matters with family and friends: 22% of citizens discuss these matters frequently and 45% occasionally. While a total of two-thirds of the population take an interest in this topic, one-third say they never discuss national political matters with friends and family. A smaller proportion, but still a majority of the population, discuss European political matters when they get together with friends and relatives: 43% occasionally talk about this subject, but only one in 10 claims to discuss the topic frequently. That means that just over half (52%) of the population discuss European politics. That, of course, leaves nearly half of the population (48%) admitting that they never talk about EU-related matters.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss frequently,

occasionally or never?

22

9

45

43

33

48

National political

matters

European political

matters

Frequently Occasionally Never

Q7. When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss

frequently, occasionally or never?


Total %


page 40

4.2. Participation in elections

Roughly half of British citizens intend to participate in the next European elections; while one-third have the opposite intention.

An overwhelming majority of British citizens (70%) reported voting in the last national or local elections; only a quarter (26%) decided not to participate.

Participation in the last national or local election

Q8. Have you participated in the last national or local election?


Total %

70

26

4

Yes

No

Was not eligible to vote

Source:

FLASH EB 203


An overwhelming majority of British citizens also admitted that they did not participate in the last European election of 2004; just one-third of the population did register a vote.

Participation in the last European elections of 2004

Q9. And have you participated in the last European election in 2004?


Total %

34

59

4 3

Yes

No


DK/NA

Source:

FLASH EB 203




On the positive side, the next European Parliament election could see the same proportion of British citizens participating in the election as did not take part in the last election. Exactly 59% claim that they will vote in the next election � the same number that admitted to not voting in 2004. Approximately one-third (30%) declare that they have no intention of getting involved in a European-wide election.

Participation planned in the next European Parliament election

Q10. Do you intend to vote in the next European Parliament election?


Total %

59

30

2

9

Yes

No


DK/NA

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 42

4.3. Political interest and participation by region Regions in the UK differ somewhat with regard to their political behaviour and activity. North East: In this region, interest in European affairs (45%) is below average. People in the North East who discuss this topic at home and amongst friends are in a relative minority (43%). Participation in national elections is average (68%), and the last European election also garnered an average proportion of voters from this region (31%). The intention to vote at the next European election is also lower than the UK average (53%). North West: People in the North West discuss European affairs (47%) slightly less often with their friends and family than the average British citizen, and their past and future election behaviour are also in line with the average UK resident. Yorkshire and the Humber: The residents of this area show less interest (47%) in European politics than does the average British citizen. Their participation in the last domestic (71%) and European elections (33%) is the same as the nation-wide average; however, their willingness to participate in the next European election is much lower than average (54%). East Midlands: The population here is also less interested in European politics (46%) than the British population in general, but their behaviour in elections and their future propensity to vote in the European Parliament elections do not significantly differ from the average. London: Although Londoners display the most interest in European issues (59%), their participation in elections corresponds exactly with the national average. Wales: The citizens� interest in European affairs and the participation in elections are at the same level as the average British person; however, the Welsh intend to take part in the next European election in high numbers (66%). Scotland: The Scots participated in the last European elections in a relatively high proportion (39%) and intend to vote in the next European election at a rate (66%) that is significantly higher than the average. Northern Ireland: Their interest (55%) and participation in national elections (68%) correspond to the average level, but they took part in the last European election in a proportion higher than any other region (48%). They also claim that 70% will vote in the next European election, significantly higher than the UK average. West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West: Their political interest and behaviour corresponds to the British average.



4.4. Political interest and participation by demographic group

The propensity to vote in elections is much higher among those with a higher level of education. Those younger than 40 are less politically active and are

less likely to take part in European elections. No significant differences in the levels of interest in European affairs or in the participation in past or future elections exist between men and women. Age, however, does show some interesting spreads. A person�s age and level of education are highly correlated with political behaviour and activity. The second-oldest age group, 40- to 54-year-olds, shows the most interest in European affairs (58%). The youngest group, 15- to 24-year-olds, are much less concerned by this topic (by 14 percentage points). Again, 40- to 54-year-olds (56%) discuss these topics far more frequently than their younger (15- to 24-year-old) counterparts (42%). Age has the most interesting effect on participation in elections. The youngest age bracket voted in the last national or local election in the lowest proportion (30%), but participation increased with age. The oldest group had the highest proportion of voters (84%). The same phenomenon can be seen in the number of people who participated in the last European elections. The next European Parliamentary election may have a far greater turnout, as more than half of the youngest age brackets (53%) claim they will vote, while two-thirds of the two oldest age brackets said the same (62% and 65%). Education has the same effect as age in the creation of interest and participation in politics. Graduates are far more likely to be interested in European affairs than any other educational constituency (75% compared to the next highest proportion, 50%). They also discuss this topic in far greater numbers (68%). This group participated in the last domestic election in slightly greater numbers (80%), but were much more likely to vote in the European elections of 2004 (46%) than any other age group. They also plan to vote in the next European Parliamentary elections (70%) in greater numbers.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Interest and activity in politics: by sex, age and education

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education

Question

% by demo

53

53

53

53

58

52

40

50

75

50

44

Interested in

European affairs

34

34

34

26

41

46

33

34

46

10

10

Last European election

in 2004 % yes

59

58

61

53

62

65

54

58

70

53

53

Next European Parliament

election % yes

52

52

51

51

56

53

42

50

68

47

42

Discuss,

freq, and occas. %

70

68

71

66

77

84

75

70

80

25

30

Last national/ local

election % yes


page 44

5. The benefits of EU membership

The relative majority, still barely half of British citizens, perceive the positive effects of Union membership in the areas of trade and a cleaner environment.

However, the majority of citizens do not agree that being part of the Union has had a positive impact on working conditions, peace in Europe or on human

rights.

People in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are much more inclined to see the benefits of EU membership, while it is least appreciated in the East

Midlands, South East and East of England regions.

British citizens were asked a number of questions to determine the benefits or improvements that they feel the EU imparts on their lives. Nearly half of British citizens agree that being a part of the EU adds some value to their lives: UK consumers are seen to benefit from the creation of the European Single Market (49%), a cleaner environment is enjoyed by all (48%), and the country has a greater say in trade negotiations (46%). Fewer people agree that EU membership improves working conditions in the UK (42%) and has brought peace to Europe (40%). Nearly four out of 10 (37%) feel that their human rights have been improved by EU membership. .

Source:

FLASH EB 203


49 48 46 42 40 37

41 44 4150 53 50

Being part of the

EU means

consumers in

the UK benefit

from the free

market of goods

resulting from

the European

Single Market

Being part of the

EU means a

cleaner

environment

Being part of the

EU means

having more say

in trade

negotiations

Being part of the

EU means

improved

working

conditions in the

UK

Being part of the

EU has meant

peace in Europe

Being part of the

EU has

improved my

civil rights

Agree Disagree

Q11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU...


Do you agree or disagree with ...



5.1 Comparison of results with 2006 survey

Compared with 12 months ago, a considerably smaller proportion of British citizens see improvements from EU membership in the free market

of goods or in working conditions.

The current results can be compared to the previous 2006 survey. Last year, two-thirds (63%) of the population agreed that being part of the EU means that UK consumers can benefit from the free market of goods resulting from the European Single Market. In the current survey, only half of the British (49%) agree with this supposition. The proportion of those who believe that being part of the EU means improved working conditions in the UK also decreased, from 51% (2006) to 42% (2007).

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Do you agree or disagree with ... 2006-2007% of agree

49

42

63

51

Being part of the EU

means consumers in

the UK benefit from

the free market of

goods resulting from

the European Single

Market


means improved

working conditions in

the UK

Fl203 / 2007 Fl185 / 2006

Q11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU ...



page 46

5.2 Examination of EU improvements by region and demographic grouping: benefits for UK consumers The Northern Irish (60%) and Scots (55%) agree in the greatest numbers that UK membership in the EU benefits the nation�s consumers through the European Single Market. Residents of the East Midlands (42%) and the North East (44%) are the least likely to agree with that proposal.

60

55

53

53

49

49

49

48

47

46

45

44

42

30

34

38

39

42

41

41

43

44

44

43

43

46

10

11

9

8

9

10

10

10

10

10

12

13

12

Northern Ireland

Scotland

London

Wales

South West


UK

West Midlands

North West

South East

Eastern

North East

East Midlands

Agree Disagree DK/NA

Q11_c. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means consumers in the UK benefit from the free market of goods

resulting from the European Single Market?


% by region

Being part of the EU means consumers in the UK benefit from the free market

of goods resulting from the European Single Market

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Men (52%) are far more likely than women (45%) to agree with this statement. The younger generations, aged 15 through 39, are more likely to agree, those aged 40 to 54 are almost as likely to agree, but citizens over 55 (42%) are far less likely to agree that EU membership benefits their country in this way. Interestingly, graduates (62%) and people still in the educational system (61%) are the groups that most support this statement.

49

52

45

53

53

50

42

38

46

62

61

41

41

42

36

36

41

47

49

45

29

28

10

7

13

11

11

9

10

13

9

9

11

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Q11_c. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means consumers in the UK benefit from the free market of goods

resulting from the European Single Market?


% by demo

Being part of the EU means consumers in the UK benefit from the free market

of goods resulting from the European Single Market

Source:

FLASH EB 203




5.3 Examination of EU improvements by region and demographic group: improvements in the environment A sizeable gap exists between Northern Ireland (63%), the region most likely to agree that EU membership has improved the UK�s environment, and the South East and the East of England (both at 43%) - the regions least likely to agree. Overall, the average response is pretty evenly split between those who agree (48%) and disagree (44%) that the environment has benefited from EU membership.

63

56

55

53

51

50

49

48

48

46

45

43

43

32

40

38

41

42

43

42

44

46

47

48

48

47

6

4

7

6

7

7

9

7

6

7

7

9

10

Northern Ireland

Wales

North East

Scotland

South West


West Midlands

UK

North West

London

East Midlands

Eastern

South East


Q11_e. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means a cleaner environment?


% by region

Being part of the EU means a cleaner environment?

Source:

FLASH EB 203


No significant difference of opinion exists between any of the demographic groups.

48

51

46

47

47

50

50

50

47

50

49

44

43

46

48

45

42

43

44

46

41

44

7

6

9

5

8

8

7

7

7

9

7

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Q11_e. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means a cleaner environment?


% by demo

Being part of the EU means a cleaner environment?

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 48

5.4 Examination of EU improvements by region and demographic group: a greater say in trade negotiations Northern Ireland touts the benefits of EU membership the greatest once again: More than half (54%) agree that the UK has more influence in trade negotiations thanks to being a part of the EU. The regions least likely to agree are the East Midlands (39%) and the South East (41%).

54

53

52

49

48

48

46

46

45

45

44

41

39

32

39

36

39

41

41

41

41

41

41

43

45

44

14

8

11

11

12

11

13

13

14

14

14

14

16

Northern Ireland

Wales

Scotland

London

North East

North West

UK

South West

West Midlands


Eastern

South East

East Midlands


Q11_f. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means having more say in trade negotiations?


% by region

Being part of the EU means having more say in trade negotiations?

No significant difference of opinion on this topic is present between men and women or between age groups. Education does have some influence though. Graduates (52%) and those still in the educational system (53%) are more likely to agree than those who left school at 15 (45%) or non-graduates (43%).

46

47

46

49

48

46

45

45

43

52

53

41

44

38

40

37

43

43

41

44

36

36

13

9

16

11

15

11

12

14

13

12

11

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Q11_f. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means having more say in trade negotiations?


% by demo

Being part of the EU means having more say in trade negotiations?



5.5 Analysis of EU improvements by region and demographic group: improvements in working conditions Residents of Northern Ireland agree in the highest proportion (56%) that working conditions have improved as a result of EU membership. This is 10 percentage points higher than London (46%) and the South West (46%), the next highest regions. Only one-third of residents in the East Midlands (34%) feel that working conditions have improved.

56

46

46

45

44

43

42

41

41

40

38

37

34

35

46

46

46

50

47

50

51

52

52

54

54

56

9

7

9

10

6

10

9

8

8

9

8

9

10

Northern Ireland

London

South West

Scotland

Wales


UK

Eastern

North East

West Midlands

North West

South East

East Midlands


Q11_d. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means improved working conditions in the UK?


% by region

Being part of the EU means improved working conditions in the UK?

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Both age and education have an impact on whether one agrees with an improvement in working conditions being related to the UK�s membership in the EU. As age increases, agreement with this proposition decreases, from 52% of 15- to 24-year-olds, to 38% of people 55 years and older. Those who left school without any qualifications (34%) are the least likely to agree, while graduates agree far more (49%), though not as often as people still in the educational system (55%).

42

44

40

52

42

42

38

34

40

49

55

50

50

50

42

51

51

52

55

53

43

37

9

7

11

7

7

8

11

11

8

9

8

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Q11_d. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of

the EU means improved working conditions in the UK?


% by demo

Being part of the EU means improved working conditions in the UK?

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 50

5.6 Analysis of EU improvements by region and demographic groups: peace in Europe Again, Northern Ireland (48%) tops the list as the region that agrees most that the existence of the EU has had an influence on peace in Europe. People from the East Midlands are in agreement only 32% of the time.

48

43

43

42

41

41

40

40

39

38

38

37

32

45

49

51

52

53

53

51

53

54

51

53

56

59

7

8

7

7

6

6

9

8

8

11

10

8

9

Northern Ireland

South West

Wales

London

North West

Scotland


UK

South East

West Midlands

North East

Eastern

East Midlands


Q11_b. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being

part of the EU has meant peace in Europe?


% by region

Being part of the EU has meant peace in Europe?

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Women (35%) are much less likely than men (44%) to credit the EU with having an effect on peace in Europe. No significant difference exists between age groups, though education does have an effect. As has been previously demonstrated, graduates and people still in the educational system (both at 51%) are more likely to agree with the benefits of the EU in regard to peace in Europe.

40

44

35

42

38

38

41

34

36

51

51

53

50

55

50

53

55

52

57

57

41

43

8

6

10

8

10

7

7

9

7

8

6

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education


Q11_b. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being

part of the EU has meant peace in Europe?


% by demo

Being part of the EU has meant peace in Europe?

Source:

FLASH EB 203




5.7 Analysis of EU improvements by region and demographic groups: improvements in human rights The Northern Irish (53%) are by far the most likely to feel that their human rights have improved as a result of EU membership. The Scots (43%) and the Welsh (42%) are 10 percentage points less likely than the Northern Irish to agree, yet still significantly more pleased with their improved situation than are people from the East of England, the South East and the East Midlands (all at 33%) regions.

53

43

42

41

39

38

37

37

36

34

33

33

33

38

42

50

47

50

50

50

49

52

51

55

54

53

9

15

8

12

12

13

13

14

12

15

12

13

15

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

London

South West

West Midlands

UK


North West

North East

Eastern

South East

East Midlands


Q11_a. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being

part of the EU has improved my civil rights?


% by region

Being part of the EU has improved my civil rights?

Source:

FLASH EB 203



page 52

6. Concerns over critical issues

Terrorism and climate change are regarded by British citizens as very serious issues. Interestingly, while climate change is given first

preference by graduates, fighting terrorism is the first for those that left school at an early age. There are also significant geographical

differences; people in Wales and the East of England regard all of the issues more seriously than others.

When UK citizens were asked about the seriousness of several issues that they faced, terrorism topped the list (61%), with climate change a close second (57%). Global poverty (46%), protecting human rights (43%), and securing energy supplies (41%) were seen as very serious issues, but to a lesser extent.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


How serious are the following issues for this country?

61

57

46

41

31

33

41

44

47

4

6

8

8

7

2

3

3

3

2

2

2

3

2

4

43

Terrorism

Climate change

Global poverty

Protecting human rights

Secure energy supplies

Very serious Serious Not serious Not at all serious DK/NA

Q12. How serious are the following issues for this country?




6.1 Terrorism A resounding majority of British citizens (an average of 61%) feel that terrorism is a very serious problem. The perception is highest in the West Midlands and Wales (both at 68%). Northern Ireland (55%) and the East Midlands (56%) are somewhat less concerned about the seriousness of this problem, though nearly 4 in 10 residents of these regions do agree that the issue of terrorism is, at least, a serious problem (36% and 37%, respectively).

Source:

FLASH EB 203


68

68

64

63

62

62

61

59

58

58

58

56

55

25

25

28

31

30

31

31

35

32

33

34

37

36

4

4

5

5

5

4

3

5

4

5

4

5

2

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

2

1

2

2

1

2

1

2

2

4

3

2

2

3

4

2

Wales

West Midlands

Eastern

South East

North West

Scotland

UK

North East


London

South West

East Midlands

Northern Ireland




% by region

Terrorism: opinions by region

Women (66%) are much more inclined than men (56%) to feel that terrorism is a very serious problem. When looking at age as a factor, people older than 55 are the most likely to agree that terrorism is a very serious issue. Those with no qualifications and non-graduates are more likely to find this problem to be very serious (65% and 64%, respectively) than graduates (54%) or those still in the educational system (59%).

61

56

66

57

61

59

65

65

64

54

59

31

35

28

32

31

34

28

28

30

36

29

6

3

5

5

4

4

3

3

7

6

2

2

1

2

1

1

2

2

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

2

2

4

4

2

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education




% by demo

Terrorism: opinions by sex, age and education


page 54

6.2 Climate change Nearly six out of 10 British citizens (57%) agree that climate change is a very serious issue. As one-third concur that this topic is, at the very least, a serious problem, this gives a total of 90% of UK citizens who feel that climate change is a matter of grave concern. Two-thirds of Welsh residents � the highest proportion of any region � state that this problem is very serious. People living in the North West are split fairly evenly between stating that climate change is a very serious (48%) or serious (41%) problem � the lowest proportion by region of people who feel that the problem is very serious.

66

59

59

59

59

58

57

57

57

55

54

54

48

27

32

32

29

32

33

34

31

33

33

35

36

41

5

4

8

6

7

5

6

6

6

7

6

7

3

3

3

3

2

2

3

4

3

4

3

2

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

3

2

2

2

1

1

4

2

Wales

South West

West Midlands

Eastern

Scotland

East Midlands

South East

North East

UK


London

Northern Ireland

North West




% by region

Climate change: opinions by region

Graduates (64%) are the demographic group most likely to find climate change to be a very serious problem in the UK � seven percentage points greater than the average (57%). Women (60%) are much more in tune with this problem than men (53%), but the youngest age group, 15-24, are by far the least likely (49%) to find this issue to be of a serious nature � 8 percentage points below the average.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


57

53

60

49

57

59

57

54

56

64

51

33

34

33

38

34

33

32

35

35

28

35

8

4

8

5

5

6

6

5

6

8

3

4

1

2

2

2

4

4

3

2

2

1

2

3

1

1

2

2

1

1

4

6

1

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education




% by demo

Climate change: opinions by sex, age and education



6.3 Global poverty This issue receives slightly less precedence, as the British public is almost evenly split between feeling that global poverty is very serious (46%) or serious (41%). Again, people living in Wales are well above average (57%) in their convictions on the seriousness of this problem. Citizens in the South East (42%) and East Midlands (42%) are the least likely to find this problem to be very serious, and are rather evenly split between serious and very serious.

57

50

48

48

47

46

46

45

45

43

43

42

42

32

35

42

41

42

41

36

41

41

47

42

44

45

9

6

7

7

8

11

7

9

7

8

8

9

3

3

2

2

2

3

4

2

3

1

4

1

2

3

1

3

3

3

4

5

3

2

4

2

4

6

3

Wales

Eastern

Scotland

West Midlands

Northern Ireland

UK

London

North East

North West

South West


South East

East Midlands




% by region

Global poverty: opinions by region

Again, women (51%) are far more likely than men (40%) to be very concerned with the problem of global poverty. Age has absolutely no bearing on one�s opinion of the severity of this issue. Education, however, does have a slight effect: The least educated (44%) and non-graduates (45%) are somewhat less likely to agree that global poverty is a serious issue.

46

40

51

45

45

46

46

44

45

49

50

41

43

39

40

43

40

40

42

42

38

37

11

5

9

8

9

7

7

8

10

6

3

4

2

3

2

3

3

3

3

1

3

2

4

3

2

2

4

5

2

1

5

8

3

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education




% by demo

Global poverty: opinions by sex, age and education


page 56

6.4 Protecting human rights Wales once again tops the list as the region most likely to have citizens that classify the issue as very serious. In this case, a majority of Welsh citizens (50%) agree that protecting human rights is a very serious issue in the UK. Although the South East (38%) is the region least likely to find this issue to be very serious, nearly nine out of 10 (87%) do agree that it is, at least, a serious matter.

50

45

45

45

45

44

43

43

42

40

40

39

38

36

39

40

45

42

45

45

44

46

44

47

44

49

10

10

5

9

7

7

8

6

8

8

11

8

4

3

3

3

3

2

3

3

4

4

3

4

2

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

2

5

1

3

1

8

3

Wales

Eastern

London

Scotland

West Midlands

Northern Ireland

East Midlands

UK

North East


South West

North West

South East




% by region

Protection of human rights: opinions by region

Most of the demographic groups are rather evenly split on this issue; in fact, 43% of UK residents find protecting human rights to be a very serious issue, and 44% feel it is serious. The demographic group least likely to feel this matter to be very serious are the men (39%).

43

39

46

44

46

42

40

41

42

46

48

44

44

43

44

44

45

43

43

45

42

40

12

6

8

7

9

9

8

8

9

8

3

4

2

2

2

3

5

5

3

2

2

2

3

2

2

2

3

4

2

1

3

8

1

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education




% by demo

Protection of human rights: by sex, age and education



6.5 Securing energy supplies The need to have secure energy supplies is an issue that is most important to Welsh residents; 49% find it to be a very serious matter. At the lower end of the spectrum, 38% of residents in Scotland, the South East, and the North West find it to be a very serious issue. Most of the regions are evenly split between regarding this issue to be very serious or serious, which totals roughly 90% of their populations.

49

46

43

42

42

41

40

40

39

39

38

38

38

43

43

46

50

44

47

45

48

45

48

49

51

48

7

7

5

7

7

9

7

7

8

7

6

9

2

1

2

1

3

2

2

1

2

1

2

2

2

3

4

2

5

4

5

4

7

5

5

4

3

5

1

Wales

Eastern

West Midlands

South West

London

UK

North East

East Midlands


Northern Ireland

Scotland

South East

North West




% by region

The need to secure energy supplies: opinions by region

Men (41%) and women (41%) who feel this issue is very serious are exactly evenly split. When viewed by age, it is clear to see that the older the respondent, then the more likely they are to agree that this is a very serious problem: The youngest group (33%) are least likely to find the need for secure energy supplies to be as grave an issue as the oldest people (44%). Graduates (46%) regard this matter as a serious issue in a higher proportion than all other educational groupings.

41

41

41

33

40

41

44

38

40

46

39

47

47

47

51

47

48

44

47

49

45

45

8

6

11

8

6

5

6

7

6

9

2

2

2

1

2

2

2

3

2

1

4

3

5

4

3

3

5

6

3

2

6

7

2

UK

Male

Female

15-24

25-39

40-54

55+

-15

16-20

20+

still in education




% by demo

The need to secure energy supplies: by sex, age and education


page 58

6.6 The EU�s role in tackling issues A vast majority of the British (80-86%) believe that the EU has a role in tackling each of these issues.

Source:

FLASH EB 203


Which of the following issues do you feel that the EU has a role in tackling?

86

85

82

80

80

11

11

13

14

14

4

4

5

6

6

Fighting terrorism

Protecting human

rights

Global poverty

Climate change

Secure energy

supplies

EU has a role EU does not have a role DK/NA

Q13. Which of the following issues do you feel that the EU has a role in tackling?


Total %



7. Regional summaries

East Midlands Residents of the East Midlands are below, or at, the UK average in their awareness of recent efforts made by the EU to benefit European citizens. Half of the UK citizens are aware of regulations to control mobile phone roaming charges, but slightly fewer people from the East Midlands (46%) are aware of this. Residents from this region are familiar with the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (50%) and the initiative to secure energy supplies (38%) at UK average levels. Nineteen percent of residents of the East Midlands (as well as those from the North East) claim to have heard of European Public Information Centres (EPICs), the highest proportion of any region. Understanding of the various other EU information resources is very close to the UK averages. Fewer people reported having heard of the EUROPA website in 2007 than they did in 2006 (12% versus 18%). But in 2007, significantly larger proportions of East Midlands' residents who have heard of the EU information resources claim to have used them, compared to 2006. For example, in 2006, 28% of residents used the EUROPA website, but 39% used it in 2007. Both domestic and European affairs are not topics that people from the East Midlands follow with great interest. More than a third (36%) admit that they have no interest in either subject, and only 4 in 10 (42%) claim to be interested in the affairs of the UK and Europe � six percentage points less than the average Briton. They are slightly less likely than the mean to feel that British TV (30% versus 36%), radio (30% versus 33%), or press (23% versus 27%) give objective portrayals of the EU, but agree that the British government (49%) should be responsible for keeping the public informed on EU matters. People from this region discuss politics and participate in domestic and European elections about as often as the average person. However, they are much less likely (46%) to take an interest in European affairs than the typical Brit (53%). In most cases, they are the least likely citizens of any region to agree that EU membership has benefited their lives. They feel that fighting terrorism is a very serious issue for their country, five percentage points less than the UK average, and they are the least likely to agree that global poverty is a very serious issue.


page 60

East of England People living in the East of England region are among the most aware of the recent efforts by the EU to benefit Europeans, including the improvements in food safety standards (58%), the European Health Insurance Card (58%), and the regulation of mobile phone roaming charges (58%). On the issues of securing energy supplies (35%) and the right of EU citizens to vote in local and European elections in another member state (23%), they are not as well informed as the average British citizen. They are just as aware of EU information portals as the average UK citizen, but awareness levels are dropping. Amongst those who have heard of these EU information sources, the East of England citizens are the least likely to have used EICs (3%), European Documentation Centres (5%), or EPICs (9%). Of the people who have heard of them, the average usage rates for these centres throughout the UK in 2007 was 22%, 20%, and 15%, respectively. People in the East of England take an interest in domestic and European affairs (48%) or have no interest in either (30%), at the same rates as the rest of the UK citizens. They are slightly more likely to attest to British radio being an objective source of information about the EU (36%). Their views are in keeping with the average Briton in that the British government is responsible for keeping the people of the UK informed on EU matters. They are slightly more inclined to discuss European affairs amongst friends and family than is the average UK citizen, but they are just as inclined to participate in elections. They agree to a somewhat lesser extent than the average UK citizen that being in the EU has added benefits to their lives, such as improved human rights (33%), bringing peace to Europe (37%), or cleaning up the environment (43%). But they are slightly more concerned about terrorism (64%), climate change (59%), global poverty (50%), securing energy supplies (46%) or the protection of human rights (45%).



London Londoners are amongst the most - and also the least - informed about recent efforts by the EU to benefit European citizens. They are the least informed about improvements in food safety standards (51%), and the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (42%). On the other hand, they are among the most aware of their rights to vote in local and European elections in another Member State (30%). The citizens of London are just as familiar with EU information resources such as the EUROPA website (14%) and European Documentation Centres (8%) as the average British citizen. They are only slightly less aware of EPICs than other UK residents (12% compared to 15%). Their awareness of these resources appears to have gone down considerably since the 2006 survey: Last year, 27% of Londoners claimed to have heard of the EUROPA website, but this year half as many are familiar with it (14%); and 19% percent knew of EPICs in 2006, but this year only 12% could say the same. However, of Londoners who have heard of these resources, a larger percentage in 2007 than in 2006 reports actually using them. For example, 48% used the EUROPA website in 2006, but 52% did in 2007, and while 23% visited EICs in 2006, 32% did in 2007. Political affairs of both a domestic and European nature are of the most interest to Londoners. They rate the objectivity of British television, radio and press roughly the same as the average British person. And like the typical UK resident, just under half of Londoners (45%) feel that it is the responsibility of the British government to keep the public informed about EU decision making. London�s residents have interest in (59%) and discuss (55%) European political matters more frequently than the average person in the UK. Compared to the average UK citizen, they participated in the last domestic election at a slightly lower rate (66%), voted at the same rate in the last European election (34%), but are more likely to vote in the next European Parliament election (62%). Londoners claim in greater numbers than the average British citizen that their human rights have improved (41%), that consumers in the UK have benefited from access to the European Single Market (53%), that working conditions have improved (46%), and that the UK has had more say in trade negotiations (49%) because of its EU membership. In light of the recent terrorist attacks on the London Underground, it is interesting to note that slightly fewer residents of London (58% compared to 61% of the UK as a whole) feel that terrorism is a very serious issue. Slightly fewer also feel that climate change (54%) is a very serious problem, while slightly more feel strongly about the protection of human rights (45%).


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North East Awareness levels in the North East are lower than the average for the UK as a whole, particularly on the European Health Insurance Card (44% compared to 52% of the UK), but also on the control of mobile phone roaming charges (48%) and the Bathing Water and Blue Flag report (47%). With the exception of the East Midlands, the North East�s citizens are more aware of EPICs than those of any other region (both at 19%). They are slightly less likely than the UK average to have heard of the EUROPA website (12%), but have heard of the other EU resources as much as any one else. Awareness of the EUROPA website has gone down considerably from 2006 (21%) to 2007 (14%), but usage of the EU resources has stayed roughly the same, save for the European Documentation Centres, which has seen a surge of usage in the North East from 2006 (5%) to 2007 (29%). Residents of the North East are the least likely to admit that they take an interest in domestic and European affairs. Only 41% claim to be interested in these topics compared to 54% of Londoners (the region most interested) and the UK average of 48%; the North East has the highest percentage of people that claim they are not interested in politics of any kind (38%). Although they find British TV to be objective as frequently as the average UK citizen, they are less likely to feel that radio (29%) and the press (23%) are objective. An interest in European affairs (45%) is low in the North East compared to the average UK citizen (53%), as is discussion of this topic (43%). Voting (31%) in the last European elections of 2004 was in line with UK averages, but far fewer claim they will participate in the next European elections (53% compared to 59% of the UK). North East residents are not impressed by the benefits that UK consumers have gained from the free market of goods resulting from the European Single Market (44%), but are far more optimistic about the role the EU has played in helping to clean up the environment (55% compared to 48% of the UK). Their level of concern over the various issues that affect their country is very similar to the average UK citizen�s.



North West Along with the North East, people in the North West are the least informed about the European Health Insurance Card (44%). They are also far less informed about the regulations on mobile phone roaming charges (45%), yet slightly more in tune with their right to vote in local and European elections in another EU Member State (29%). Their level of awareness of EU information resources is on a par with the UK average, but has gone down considerably: In 2006, 12% had heard of EICs; in 2007, only 7% know about its existence. Usage rates of these resources have gone up and down; for example, of the people who reported familiarity with these resources, four in 10 people from the North West used the EUROPA website in 2006, while only three in 10 have this year, but 20% claim to have used EPICs in 2007, while far less (12%) did in 2006. Interest in domestic and European affairs in the North West is the same as it is throughout the UK, so too, more or less, are the views on the objectivity of British TV, radio, and press in their portrayal of the EU. However, slightly fewer people feel that the British government is responsible for disseminating information about the EU and its decisions (44% in the North West compared to 48% in the UK). There is less interest, and participation, in politics in the North West than in the UK as a whole, while less than half of the region�s citizens claim they discuss European affairs frequently or occasionally (considerably lower than average). Regarding the benefits of being in the EU, the North West�s citizens hold the same opinions as the average UK resident. They are, however, slightly less likely to agree that being part of the EU has improved working conditions in the UK (38%). They are the least likely region in the UK to find climate change to be a very serious issue (48%) for their country, and one of the lowest in finding the protection of human rights (39%) and the need to secure energy supplies (38%) to be very serious matters.


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Northern Ireland Northern Irish awareness of several of the recent efforts by the EU aimed at benefiting Europeans is above the UK average: 56% are aware of increases in food safety standards, 52% know about the regulation of mobile phone roaming charges and 30% are informed of their right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State. Strangely though, this region�s citizens are the least likely to know of the efforts to secure energy supplies (34%). Awareness of the EU information portals is at least as high, if not higher, than the UK average. Slightly more people in Northern Ireland know about EPICs (17%) and the EUROPA website (16%) compared to overall UK averages. However, appreciation of these resources has gone down across the board in Northern Ireland since 2006, particularly in regard to two previously mentioned outlets: EPICs (17% in 2007 compared to 22% in 2006) and the EUROPA website (16% in 2007 compared to 20% in 2006). But of the people who have heard of these resources, far more people are using them than they did last year. For example, 15% of Northern Irish used European Documentation Centres in 2006, while 27% used the facilities in 2007, and 18% used EICs in 2006, while 27% did in 2007. Interest in European, as well as domestic, current affairs is high in Northern Ireland (51%), but the number of people who report having an interest in domestic affairs only is the highest of all the regions (20%). Northern Ireland has the largest percentage of people who find that British television (32%), radio (23%), and the press (40%) portray the EU too negatively in their reporting. And when it comes to disseminating information about the EU and its decisions, the residents of Northern Ireland are by far the least likely to assign this responsibility to the British government; while nearly half of UK residents (48%) feel this is the duty of the government, those in Northern Ireland are 10 percentage points less likely to agree (38%). Although they are slightly more likely to have an interest in European affairs (55%), the Northern Irish citizens are less liable to discuss these matters with friends and family (48%). They had the highest number of UK voters in the last European election (48%) and this could happen again in the next one (70%). Compared to the other UK regions, Northern Ireland residents see the greatest benefits from EU membership. More than half (53%) agree that membership in the UK has improved their human rights, helped consumers through access to the European Single Market (60%), improved working conditions (56%), helped the environment (63%) and given the UK more say in trade negotiations (54%). Interestingly, given their background, they are the least likely to say that terrorism is a very serious issue, (55%), and are less likely than the average UK resident to feel that climate change (54%) and the security of energy supplies (39%) are also very serious problems. On other issues, their views are in line with UK averages.



Scotland With regard to recent measures enacted by the EU to benefit Europeans, Scottish citizens are just as aware as the average UK resident. Exceptions are the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, where recognition is low (43%). Their level of awareness of the various EU information portals is more or less the same as that of the average UK citizen, but knowledge of these EU outlets has gone down in Scotland since 2006. Last year�s survey found that 20% of the people had heard of EPICs, 22% knew about the EUROPA website and 12% were aware of EICs; the percentages of Scots who have heard of these resources in 2007 are now 14%, 15%, and 8%, respectively. Of the people in Scotland who have heard of these resources and claim to use their services, levels of use have also gone down since last year: 40% used the EUROPA website in 2006, while 34% use it in 2007, and 23% used EPICs in 2006, while only 16% have this year. Slightly more people in Scotland, than average, take an interest in both domestic and European affairs (51% compared to 48% in the UK). Residents are more likely than the average UK citizen to find British television (40%) and the press (34%) to be objective in the way they disseminate information about the EU. However, they are less likely to feel the same about radio (30%). In line with the rest of the UK, 48% of Scots feel that it is the job of the British government to keep people informed on EU decision making. Second only to Northern Ireland, 39% of Scots participated in the 2004 European election. Two-thirds claim that they will vote in the next European Parliamentary elections, which is well above the UK average of 59%. Their level of interest in European affairs is about the same as the average British citizen. The view is that Scotland has benefited from EU membership. Forty-three percent of Scots claim that their human rights have improved, more than half (55%) report that UK citizens have benefited from access to the European Single Market and 53% feel that the environment is now cleaner � figures that are all greater than the UK averages. Scottish opinions about the seriousness of certain issues that impact the UK (climate change, terrorism, etc.) are close to the average British responses for these same items.


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South East Awareness of the various efforts made by the EU to benefit Europeans is roughly the same as the UK averages, though the South East citizens (along with the Welsh) are the most aware of the need to secure energy supplies (41%). South East residents report slightly low levels of awareness of the EU information portals. And the levels have gone down since 2006; the largest drop is in regard to the EUROPA website � 21% of people in the South East claimed to have heard of the website last year, while only 13% acknowledge this in 2007. Usage of the EU information resources has both gone up and down since 2006. EICs have seen a two percentage-point increase, while EPICs have seen a 9 percentage-point drop. The South East region�s citizens report the second-highest percentage of interest in both domestic and European affairs (52%). The same people rate the objectivity of British television, radio, and press at an identical level as the UK averages. People of this region are more likely than most to say that it is the responsibility of the British government to let its people know about decision making in the EU. They are more interested in European affairs (56%) and discuss these matters with friends and family (56%) more often than the average British citizen. They also participated in the most recent domestic (73%) and European elections (35%) more often than the average citizen. On the negative side, this region is much more negative about the added benefits that EU membership has meant to the citizens� lives: 33% feel that their human rights have improved, 46% feel that access to the European Single Market has benefited UK residents, 37% agree that working conditions have improved, 43% feel the environment is cleaner and 41% feel that the UK has more say in trade negotiations. The South East�s citizens are more likely than the average UK resident to feel that terrorism is a very serious issue for the UK (63%), but less likely to say the same about global poverty (42%). They are also among the least likely to say the same about the protection of human rights (38%) and the security of energy supplies (38%).



South West For the most part, the South West�s residents are about as aware of the EU�s recent efforts to benefit Europeans as is the average person in the UK. However, with regard to the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, they are much more conscious than the average Brit � 10 percentage points higher. They have heard of the EU information resources as often as any other British person. But their familiarity with these resources has gone down considerably, in some cases, since the 2006 survey. Eighteen percent knew of EPICs in 2006, but in 2007, only 14% claim to have heard of them. More dramatically, 20% were familiar with the EUROPA website in 2006, but now only 13% say they know about its existence. For the most part, usage of the EU resources has either gone up or stayed the same, though one resource saw fewer users from the South West: 44% used the EUROPA website last year, but in 2007, only 40% claimed to have used it. On the other hand, EICs (24%) and EPICs (19%) saw an increased number of users in 2007. Interest in domestic and European affairs in the South West is within a few percentage points of the average UK citizen: 51% in this region claim to be interested in both. They are among the most likely to feel that British television (40%) and radio (37%) are objective in their reporting of the EU, but they are less likely than the UK average citizen to say the same about the press (25%). Of all UK regions, the South West is the most likely to say that it is the responsibility of the UK to inform its citizens on the decision making of the EU. Overall, interest in political affairs and participation in elections is either on a par with or greater than the UK average. People from this region are slightly more likely to be interested in European affairs (55%), to have voted in the last domestic election (73%) or to claim that they will participate in the next European Parliament election (61%). Residents of the South West are rather positive about the effects that EU membership has had on their lives. They are slightly more likely than the average British citizen to agree that their human rights have been improved (39%), peace has been brought to Europe (43%), the condition of the environment has improved (51%) and working conditions have improved (46%). The South West�s residents are slightly less likely than the average Brit to agree that terrorism (58%), global poverty (43%) and the protection of human rights (40%) are very serious issues. However, they are slightly more likely than the average citizen to agree about the seriousness of climate change (59%).


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Wales Throughout the survey, Wales was the region that often had the highest proportion of positive responses. Their awareness of recent efforts by the EU that aim to benefit Europeans was no exception. On each of these items, Wales posted the highest or second-highest percentage of people who claimed to have heard of: the increases in food safety standards (60%), the European Health Insurance Card (56%), the regulation of mobile phone roaming charges (54%), the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (62%) and the need to secure energy supplies (41%). Those living in this region are more likely than the average UK citizen to have heard of the various EU information resources. But awareness of them decreased in Wales from 2006 to 2007. For example, 22% knew of the EUROPA website in 2006, while only 16% do so in 2007. Familiarity with the European Documentation Centres went up slightly from 8% to 11%. Of the people that claim to have heard of the information resources, the percentage of Welsh residents who actually used them went up from 2006 to 2007. Usage of EICs went from 16% in 2006 to 23%, and usage of European Documentation Centres went from 16% to 21%. When compared to the average British response, the people of Wales are three percentage points more likely to say that they are interested in both European and domestic affairs (51%). Of all the regions, they have the highest proportion of people who attest to the objectivity of the British radio (39%) and television (40% � tied with the South West and Scotland). They fall below the UK mean when asked about whether the British government should be responsible for disseminating information about the EU and its decisions. The Welsh are slightly more likely to say that they take an interest (55%) and discuss European politics (54%), and that they voted in the last domestic election (72%). They are among those the most likely to say they will vote in the next European Parliamentary elections (66%). Of all of the possible advantages from EU membership that were asked about in this survey, the Welsh were at least several percentage points more likely to say that being in the EU has brought some added benefit, particularly regarding a cleaner environment (56%) or more say in trade negotiations (53%). The Welsh do not take issues affecting their country lightly. On each of the issues presented, they were at least several percentage points more likely than the average UK resident to say that a given issue was very serious. When asked about the seriousness of climate change and global poverty, the Welsh responded that these were very serious issues (66% and 57%, respectively), which is seven percentage points higher than the next-highest regions.



West Midlands Compared to the average UK citizen, the people of the West Midlands claim to be slightly more aware of certain recent efforts by the EU to benefit Europeans: including the European Health Insurance Card (54%), the control of mobile phone roaming charges (52%) and the initiatives to secure energy supplies (40%). As a region, they were slightly less likely to have heard of the Bathing Water and Blue Flag report (46%). Their level of familiarity with the EU information portals is on a par with the UK averages; awareness has gone down slightly since 2006. For example, 18% of people in the West Midlands said they had heard of the EUROPA website in 2006, but in 2007, only 13% say the same. Usage of the EUROPA website has gone way up, however, from 28% to 45%, but down for the European Documentation Centres (from 19% to 11%). Much like the average UK resident, 46% of West Midlands citizens say they have an interest in both domestic and European matters. They are less likely to say that British television (34%), radio (31%), and press (23%) are objective in their EU reporting. More than half of the people from this region (52%) feel that it is up to the British government to report EU information and decision making to the people of the UK. Their levels of political interest and participation are just lower than those of the average UK resident: 50% say they discuss European affairs frequently, 68% said they voted in the last domestic election and 32% voted in the European elections of 2004. People in the West Midlands are as likely as the average person in the UK to say that EU membership has improved their human rights (38%), benefited British consumers with access to the European Single Market (48%) and helped to clean up the environment (49%). They are far more likely than the average citizen to admit that they believe terrorism is a very serious issue for the UK (68%), and about as likely to say that climate change (59%), global poverty (48%), the protection of human rights (45%) and the security of energy supplies (43%) are very serious matters.


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Yorkshire and the Humber Residents of Yorkshire and the Humber come within one percentage point of the UK average when asked if they have heard of several EU initiatives (e.g. mobile phone roaming charges, the European Health Insurance Card, etc.). However, for some of the EU programmes, they are several percentage points below average: 44% know of the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (six percentage points less than the average), and they are the region least likely to have heard of their right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State (21%). Seventeen percent of residents say they have heard of EPICs and 10% have heard of EICs � both slightly above the UK averages. As in most of the regions, awareness of these EU information sources is down from 2006. For example, fewer people in Yorkshire and the Humber know of the EUROPA website in 2007 (14%) than they did in 2006 (19%). Usage of the website has gone up significantly since last year though: 28% used the EUROPA website in 2006, in the most recent survey, nearly half claimed to have used it (45%). The residents of Yorkshire and the Humber are less likely than the average Briton to have an interest in both domestic and European current affairs (43%). They are also slightly less likely to find British radio (13%) to be too negative in its portrayal of the EU. In their opinion, 45% of residents say it is up to the British to relay information about decision making to the citizens of the UK. Yorkshire and Humber folk are among the least interested in European affairs (47%) and discuss this topic slightly less frequently than the average person in the UK (49%). They are five percentage points less likely to vote in the next European Parliamentary election (54%) compared to the average citizen. When asked about improvements to the lives of UK citizens due to EU membership, they were on a par with the average British responses on all aspects. Terrorism (58%) and climate change (55%) are very serious issues for more than half of the residents of Yorkshire and the Humber. In addition, roughly 4 in 10 citizens find global poverty (43%), the protection of human rights (40%) and the need to secure energy supplies (39%) as being very serious.



Overall comparisons Looking at interest in Europe and the plans to participate in elections, the citizens in the various UK regions differ somewhat with regard to their political behaviour and activity. Region Interest

in Europe Participation in

domestic election

Participation in last European

election

Participation in next European

election North East * ** * * North West ** ** ** ** Yorkshire & the Humber: * ** ** * East Midlands: * * * * London *** * ** *** Wales ** *** ** *** Scotland ** ** *** *** Northern Ireland ** ** ** ** West Midlands, ** ** ** ** East of England, ** ** ** * South East, ** *** ** ** South West: ** *** ** **

* below average, ** average, *** above average

(ratings are approximate for comparison purposes only)


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Flash EB Series #203

Attitudes towards the EU

in the United Kingdom

Annex

Tables &

Survey

Details

THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION


Annex Tables, page 73

8. Annex tables

Table 1a. Awareness of recent efforts to benefit Europeans directly 1/1.............................................. 74

Table 1b. Awareness of recent efforts to benefit Europeans directly 1/2.............................................. 75

Table 2. Awareness of sources of EU information available to UK citizens ....................................... 76

Table 3. Usage of different sources to get EU-related information....................................................... 77

Table 4. Interest in domestic affairs ...................................................................................................... 78

Table 5. Interest in European affairs ..................................................................................................... 79

Table 6. Perception of how the British Television presents the EU...................................................... 80

Table 7. Perception of how the British Radio presents the EU ............................................................. 81

Table 8. Perception of how the British Press presents the EU .............................................................. 82

Table 9. Who is responsible for giving information about the EU....................................................... 83

Table 10. Frequency of discussing National political matters............................................................... 84

Table 11. Frequency of discussing European political matters ............................................................. 85

Table 12. Participation in the last national or local election ................................................................. 86

Table 13. Participation in the last European election in 2004............................................................... 87

Table 14. Intention to vote in the next European Parliament election................................................... 88

Table 15a. Benefits of being part of the EU 1/1.................................................................................. 89

Table 15b. Benefits of being part of the EU 1/2................................................................................... 90

Table 16. How serious the issue for UK - Climate change ................................................................... 91

Table 17. How serious the issue for UK - Protecting human rights...................................................... 92

Table 18. How serious the issue for UK - Global poverty .................................................................... 93

Table 19. How serious the issue for UK - Secure energy supplies ....................................................... 94

Table 20. How serious the issue for UK - Fighting terrorism ............................................................... 95

Table 21. Issues EU has a role to resolve.............................................................................................. 96


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Table 1a. Awareness of recent efforts to benefit Europeans directly 1/1

QUESTION: Q1_a-d. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of

any of the following?

% �yes� shown

Total N

The European

Health

Insurance

Card

The Bathing

water report

and Blue Flag

guide

The right to

vote in local

and European

elections in

another

Member

UK 6010 51,9 49,7 25,8

REGION North 500 44,2 46,7 23,9

North West 501 44,1 50 28,6

York / Humberside 500 50,6 44,3 21

East Midlands 502 51,1 49,7 24,9

West Midlands 500 53,5 45,5 27

Eastern 500 57,5 55,2 23,1

Greater London 500 53,7 42,3 29,5

South East 500 54 51,6 23,9

South West 500 54,4 60 26

Wales 500 56,2 61,7 24,8

Scotland 501 50,8 43,3 27,2

Northern Ireland 506 48,8 54,1 29,5

SEX

Male 2941 48,3 50 26

Female 3069 55,3 49,3 25,6

AGE

15 - 24 902 44 26,2 24,5

25 - 39 1543 47,7 45,2 26,1

40 - 54 1511 57,2 59 26,6

55 + 1900 54,4 56,1 25,6

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 47,3 48,6 22,1

16 - 20 2882 51,4 50,3 26

20 + 1274 60,2 59,2 28

Still in education 453 46,6 25,5 26,9

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 54,9 49 28

Employee 2697 50,4 48,3 25,1

Manual worker 2058 54,1 54,1 25,7

Not working 618 53,2 53,1 26,7

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 54,5 52,6 26,9

Other towns 409 45 47,4 22,3

Rural zones 2419 50,8 47 25



Table 1b. Awareness of recent efforts to benefit Europeans directly 1/2

QUESTION: Q1_f-h. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of

any of the following?

% �yes� shown

Total N

Regulation of

mobile phone

charges for

customers

travelling

abroad

Securing

energy

supplies

Increases in

food-safety

standards

UK 6010 50,2 38 54,4

REGION North 500 48 39,1 54,8

North West 501 44,5 37,1 55

York / Humberside 500 49 35,1 55

East Midlands 502 45,7 38,2 52,6

West Midlands 500 51,7 40,4 54,4

Eastern 500 57,7 35,3 58,2

Greater London 500 51,8 37,4 50,8

South East 500 51,1 41,4 53

South West 500 48,4 39,2 55,6

Wales 500 54,3 41,1 59,7

Scotland 501 49,3 35,3 52,6


SEX

Male 2941 50,4 37,7 50

Female 3069 50 38,3 58,5

AGE

15 - 24 902 49,9 32,4 46,7

25 - 39 1543 54,8 38,3 52,1

40 - 54 1511 52,8 37,7 55,7

55 + 1900 44,7 40,5 58,8

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 52,4 37,1 54,9

20 + 1274 58,1 42,8 55,7


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 52,7 38,1 52,6

Employee 2697 49 38,2 55,1

Manual worker 2058 52,1 38,9 55,6

Not working 618 56,8 38 53,9

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 46,5 31,3 50,9

Rural zones 2419 43,1 39,1 54,3


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Table 2. Awareness of sources of EU information available to UK citizens

QUESTION: Q2_a-e. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about?

% �yes� shown

Total N

The

EUROPA

website

Euro Info

Centres

(EICs)

European

Public

Information

Centres

(EPICs)

European

Documentation

Centres (EDCs)

Europe

Direct

centres

UK 6010 13,6 8,2 14,9 7,9 5,8

REGION North 500 14,4 8,5 18,7 9,5 7,6

North West 501 12,2 7,3 15,8 8,1 6,7

York / Humberside 500 13,7 10,2 16,7 8,6 6

East Midlands 502 12,4 7,8 19 7,6 5,4

West Midlands 500 13,4 9,3 13,7 8,8 6,1

Eastern 500 13,4 6,4 15,2 8,8 5,2

Greater London 500 14,2 9,6 12,4 7,5 5,2

South East 500 12,5 5,8 12,6 5 5

South West 500 13,1 7,4 13,8 8,4 5,8

Wales 500 15,8 11,5 16,8 11,2 8

Scotland 501 15,1 8,1 13,9 7,5 5,1

Northern Ireland 506 16,2 10,8 17,1 8,1 7

SEX

Male 2941 13,8 7,8 13,7 7,7 6

Female 3069 13,4 8,5 16,1 8,2 5,7

AGE

15 - 24 902 19,2 9,7 21,8 11,1 9,2

25 - 39 1543 14,2 8,1 12,9 7 4,3

40 - 54 1511 12 8,5 14,1 7 6

55 + 1900 11,7 7,3 13,9 7,9 5,3

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 10,1 7,9 16,3 7,1 6,4

16 - 20 2882 11,6 8,8 15,5 8,5 6,2

20 + 1274 19,1 7 10,9 6,9 3,2

Still in education 453 21,6 8 18,5 8,8 8,3

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 17 9,3 13,7 9,3 5,6

Employee 2697 12,5 7,7 14,8 7,4 6

Manual worker 2058 13,5 8,4 15,8 8,1 5,9

Not working 618 12,9 8,5 13,7 6,9 5,5

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 15,1 9 14,3 8 5,5

Other towns 409 11,4 10,1 16,2 7,6 6,3

Rural zones 2419 12,5 7,2 15,7 8,4 6,4



Table 3. Usage of different sources to get EU-related information

QUESTION: Q6_a-e. And did you use any of the following to get EU-related information?

% �yes� shown

Base: those who are aware of the different information sources , Q2a=1 or Q2b=1 or Q2c=1 or Q2d=1 or Q2e=1

Total N

The

EUROPA

website

Euro Info

Centres

(EICs)

European

Public

Information

Centres

(EPICs)

European

Documentation

Centres (EDCs)

Europe

Direct

centres

UK 815 39,5 21,6 15,4 19,5 18,7

REGION North 72 35,7 16,2 12,8 29,3 11,5

North West 61 27,5 18,7 19,7 16,7 13

York / Humberside 69 45,3 23,3 11,9 31 20,7

East Midlands 62 38,6 23,1 18,3 30,5 28,6

West Midlands 67 45 11,3 7,7 11 3,1

Eastern 67 40,4 2,7 8,9 5,2 5,3

Greater London 71 51,6 32,2 20,8 20,7 29,9

South East 62 35,7 31,4 13,4 18,7 23,6

South West 66 40,2 23,9 19,3 14,7 26,7

Wales 79 39,1 22,7 18 21,3 13,6

Scotland 76 33,6 18,1 16,3 23,7 28,1

Northern Ireland 82 35,7 27,1 16,4 26,6 21,6

SEX

Male 404 43,2 24,4 16,8 25,3 19,3

Female 411 35,8 19,1 14,2 14,3 18,2

AGE

15 - 24 174 44 22,8 14,6 21,8 15,7

25 - 39 219 42,3 25 13,5 20,6 28,8

40 - 54 182 49,1 22,6 17,9 22,6 11,4

55 + 223 24,9 15,4 14,8 15,7 20,5

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 129 22,4 15,6 16 12,3 16,7

16 - 20 335 33,9 20,6 14,5 17,6 16

20 + 243 51,4 28,2 16,9 31 30,2

Still in education 98 54,2 21,6 13 21,4 18

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 181 51,7 18,1 15,4 24,6 15,7

Employee 337 38,4 21,9 14,3 19,1 19,9

Manual worker 278 33,6 22,4 16,8 15,8 18

Not working 79 41,3 26,8 13,5 23 25,5

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 373 47,2 22,3 19,1 23,5 21,7

Other towns 47 40,2 26,8 15,5 13,9 11,8

Rural zones 304 29,6 18 12,4 15,7 15,8


page 78

Table 4. Interest in domestic affairs

QUESTION: Q3_a. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in Domestic affairs?

Total N

% Very

interested

% Fairly

interested

% Not

interested

% Not

interested

at all

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 18,6 47,5 19,9 12,7 1,2

REGION North 500 14,2 43,8 26,8 13,9 1,4

North West 501 20,6 45,9 19,9 12,2 1,4

York / Humberside 500 14 45,7 22,3 16,1 1,8

East Midlands 502 14,2 46,1 26,1 13,1 0,5

West Midlands 500 17,8 47,9 16,3 16,9 1,1

Eastern 500 16,6 49,6 20,5 12,3 1

Greater London 500 21,3 47,7 18,2 10,9 2

South East 500 20,9 48,3 18,7 11,2 1

South West 500 22,5 46,2 19,3 10,4 1,6

Wales 500 17,6 51,8 17,4 12,3 0,9

Scotland 501 18,8 48,1 18,9 14,1 0,1


SEX

Male 2941 20,5 46,5 17,8 14,2 0,9

Female 3069 16,7 48,6 22 11,3 1,4

AGE

15 - 24 902 7,6 43,2 29,9 18,3 1,1

25 - 39 1543 14,4 50,9 20,5 12,9 1,4

40 - 54 1511 18,1 53,8 17,1 9,8 1,2

55 + 1900 26,2 42,3 17,9 12,7 0,9

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 17 47,9 20,8 13,2 1,1

20 + 1274 28,3 57,7 8,3 4,9 0,9

Still in education 453 11 44,7 27,3 15,4 1,6

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 22,8 49,6 17,8 8,9 0,8

Employee 2697 17,2 48,5 19,7 13,3 1,2

Manual worker 2058 19,3 47,1 19,9 12,8 0,9

Not working 618 23,9 50,8 16,5 8,5 0,4

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 9,6 42,9 30,8 15,4 1,4

Rural zones 2419 19,9 41,6 21,8 15,7 1



Table 5. Interest in European affairs

QUESTION: Q3_b. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in European affairs?

Total N

% Very

interested

% Fairly

interested

% Not

interested

% Not

interested

at all

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 10 42,8 27,9 18,5 0,7

REGION North 500 5,4 39,9 33,2 20,5 1

North West 501 8,4 42,8 30,2 17,6 1

York / Humberside 500 7,3 40,1 31,7 19,5 1,3

East Midlands 502 10,6 35,3 32,8 20,8 0,5

West Midlands 500 6,8 45 24,4 23,1 0,7

Eastern 500 9,9 43,5 28,4 17,8 0,4

Greater London 500 15 44,2 23,5 15,9 1,4

South East 500 11,1 44,4 25,8 18,3 0,4

South West 500 12,1 42,6 29 15,5 0,8

Wales 500 7,3 47,4 27,4 17,7 0,1

Scotland 501 11,5 42,2 25,8 20,3 0,2

Northern Ireland 506 8 46,9 30,8 13,5 0,9

SEX

Male 2941 11,2 41,6 27,2 19,4 0,7

Female 3069 9 44 28,7 17,6 0,8

AGE

15 - 24 902 5,8 38,5 33,7 21,2 0,8

25 - 39 1543 8,6 44,6 29,8 16,1 0,9

40 - 54 1511 8,4 49,7 25,8 15,4 0,7

55 + 1900 13,7 38 26,1 21,8 0,5

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 7,3 32,7 32 27,4 0,6

16 - 20 2882 9 41 30,2 19,3 0,5

20 + 1274 15,9 58,6 17,5 6,9 1,1

Still in education 453 8,2 42,2 31,1 17,1 1,4

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 14,3 47 25 13,2 0,5

Employee 2697 8,5 43,6 27,6 19,4 0,9

Manual worker 2058 10,5 41,2 28,4 19,5 0,4

Not working 618 15,8 44,7 25,9 13 0,5

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 3,3 35,3 38,1 22,8 0,5

Rural zones 2419 10,5 38,2 27,4 23,1 0,8


page 80

Table 6. Perception of how the British Television presents the EU

QUESTION: Q4_a. Do you think that the British Television presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively?

Total N

% Too

positively

% Too

negatively

%

Objectively

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 13,8 25,1 35,9 25,1

REGION North 500 15 24,7 33,4 27

North West 501 11,7 25 35,8 27,5

York / Humberside 500 12,4 23,1 35,6 29

East Midlands 502 13,3 24,1 29,9 32,7

West Midlands 500 15,7 26,6 33,8 23,8

Eastern 500 15,6 24,2 34,5 25,7

Greater London 500 15,3 26,5 36,9 21,3

South East 500 13,4 24,5 36 26,1

South West 500 13,2 25,3 39,6 21,8

Wales 500 14 28,8 39,8 17,4

Scotland 501 12,8 22,3 39,8 25,1

Northern Ireland 506 13,6 32,3 34,5 19,7

SEX

Male 2941 16,5 27,3 35,5 20,6

Female 3069 11,2 23 36,4 29,4

AGE

15 - 24 902 17,2 20,8 38,6 23,4

25 - 39 1543 12,7 24,7 40,5 22

40 - 54 1511 12,9 26,9 39,4 20,8

55 + 1900 14,1 26,1 28,8 31

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 14,5 24 26,2 35,3

16 - 20 2882 15,6 22,7 36,6 25,1

20 + 1274 8,8 32,1 43,1 16

Still in education 453 14,3 24,1 41,4 20,2

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 16 27,3 39,1 17,6

Employee 2697 12,5 25,2 36,6 25,7

Manual worker 2058 14,4 24,8 34,8 26

Not working 618 14,5 26,4 38,2 20,9

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 12,3 26 40,8 20,9

Other towns 409 20,4 23,7 34,4 21,5

Rural zones 2419 13,9 24,3 30,8 31



Table 7. Perception of how the British Radio presents the EU

QUESTION: Q4_b. Do you think that the British Radio presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively?

Total N

% Too

positively

% Too

negatively

%

Objectively

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 11,7 16,8 33 38,5

REGION North 500 12,8 14,4 29,3 43,6

North West 501 9,3 16,4 34,7 39,7

York / Humberside 500 11,1 13,2 28,5 47,1

East Midlands 502 11,3 16,1 29,7 42,9

West Midlands 500 13,1 19,2 31,4 36,4

Eastern 500 10 17 35,7 37,3

Greater London 500 14,8 16 35,2 34

South East 500 10,2 18,5 32,4 38,8

South West 500 13,7 15,4 36,9 34

Wales 500 14,1 19,3 38,6 28

Scotland 501 10,3 16,1 30,2 43,4

Northern Ireland 506 12,7 23 29,8 34,5

SEX

Male 2941 13,2 19,8 32,8 34,1

Female 3069 10,3 13,8 33,1 42,7

AGE

15 - 24 902 17,8 17,3 32,7 32,2

25 - 39 1543 10,9 17,6 38 33,5

40 - 54 1511 8,6 17,8 37,6 36

55 + 1900 12,4 15,1 25,2 47,3

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 12,8 15,7 19,5 52

16 - 20 2882 12,5 15,2 34 38,3

20 + 1274 7,5 20,1 44,7 27,7


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 12,6 17,4 36,9 33,2

Employee 2697 11 17 33,1 38,9

Manual worker 2058 11,9 16,5 32,5 39,1

Not working 618 11,8 17,9 39,5 30,9

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 9,7 18 38,7 33,6

Other towns 409 15,2 19,2 30,7 34,9

Rural zones 2419 13,3 14,9 25,9 45,9


page 82

Table 8. Perception of how the British Press presents the EU

QUESTION: Q4_d. Do you think that the British Press presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively?

Total N

% Too

positively

% Too

negatively

%

Objectively

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 12,9 37,7 27,1 22,2

REGION North 500 15,2 35,7 23,3 25,8

North West 501 14,9 31,3 29,1 24,7

York / Humberside 500 10,7 36,7 24,5 28,1

East Midlands 502 12,6 35,1 22,8 29,5

West Midlands 500 13,4 39,9 23,3 23,3

Eastern 500 14 38,8 27,3 19,9

Greater London 500 13,6 40,2 28,7 17,5

South East 500 11,4 39,4 28,1 21,1

South West 500 12,7 38,8 25,4 23

Wales 500 15,4 41,7 27,4 15,5

Scotland 501 9,4 37 34 19,7

Northern Ireland 506 14 39,9 27,3 18,7

SEX

Male 2941 13,9 40,6 25,9 19,6

Female 3069 11,9 35 28,4 24,8

AGE

15 - 24 902 14,5 37,9 28,2 19,4

25 - 39 1543 10,1 41,1 28,7 20

40 - 54 1511 10,6 42,6 26,9 19,8

55 + 1900 16,5 31 26 26,6

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 16,6 29,1 23,1 31,2

16 - 20 2882 14 35 29,3 21,8

20 + 1274 6,2 51,9 27 14,8


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 13,3 42,9 26,5 17,2

Employee 2697 12,7 38,6 28 20,7

Manual worker 2058 12,9 35,7 27,1 24,4

Not working 618 12,5 42,2 25,5 19,8

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 9,2 43,7 28,6 18,4

Other towns 409 15,4 34,1 30,4 20,1

Rural zones 2419 16,4 31,6 25,3 26,6



Table 9. Who is responsible for giving information about the EU

QUESTION: Q5. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its decisions?

Total

N

% EU

institutions

% The

British

government

% The local

government

%

Political

parties

% News

paper/

television

% EU

information

centres in

the UK

% DK

/ NA

UK 6010 4 47,8 16,4 3,4 18,8 5,4 4,2

REGION North 500 2,6 47,8 16,8 3,4 19,5 4,9 4,9

North West 501 3,5 44 18,8 4,8 20,6 4,4 3,9

York /

Humberside 500 3,7 44,8 16,9 4 18,5 5,9 6,2

East Midlands 502 3,1 48,9 17,4 1,8 20,2 5,3 3,4

West Midlands 500 3,6 52,2 14,5 3,5 17,5 4,6 4

Eastern 500 3,5 47,4 10,6 2,9 25,2 6,3 4,1

Greater London 500 5,1 44,9 13,5 4,7 20,1 6,8 5

South East 500 5,1 52,8 14,5 2,9 16,7 5 3,1

South West 500 3,8 53,7 15,4 2,3 15,1 5,3 4,4

Wales 500 3,7 42 23,9 3,5 18,9 6,1 1,9

Scotland 501 3,8 48,1 20,5 1,6 15,4 5,1 5,4

Northern

Ireland 506 6 38 25,8 5,8 16 5,7 2,7

SEX

Male 2941 5,2 48,5 14,7 3,4 18,7 5,3 4,2

Female 3069 2,8 47,2 18 3,3 18,9 5,5 4,2

AGE

15 - 24 902 3,3 37,6 18,1 5,8 26 4,8 4,5

25 - 39 1543 4,8 50,3 16,5 2,4 16,6 5,9 3,3

40 - 54 1511 4,6 49,8 15,7 2,8 17,1 6 4

55 + 1900 3 49 16,7 3,2 18,4 4,8 4,9

EDUCATION

until 15 years of

age 1280 1,7 48 20,1 3,7 18,1 3,5 5

16 - 20 2882 3,1 48,7 18,1 3,6 17,7 5,1 3,7

20 + 1274 8,2 51,2 8,9 1,6 18,7 7,5 3,8

Still in

education 453 4,7 34 17 6 26,8 6,6 4,8

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 5 48,2 14,7 2,8 19,8 6,3 3,3

Employee 2697 3,8 47,9 16,4 3,2 18,8 5,8 4

Manual worker 2058 3,7 49,1 17 3,5 18,1 4,8 3,8

Not working 618 5,1 50,2 13,1 2,3 17,5 6,9 5

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan

area 2469 4,9 51,3 14,5 2,6 17,7 6,1 2,8

Other towns 409 3,2 50,1 18,3 3,2 19,5 3,5 2,2

Rural zones 2419 2,9 44,2 18,5 4,5 19,9 4,8 5,3


page 84

Table 10. Frequency of discussing National political matters

QUESTION: Q7_a. When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss National political matters frequently, occasionally or never?

Total N

%

Frequently

%

Occasionally % Never

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 21,5 45,3 32,8 0,4

REGION North 500 18,9 40,1 40,5 0,4

North West 501 19,1 43,6 37 0,4

York / Humberside 500 17,2 46,2 36,6 0

East Midlands 502 20,1 45,2 34,5 0,2

West Midlands 500 19,8 46,4 33,6 0,2

Eastern 500 22,9 47,7 29,1 0,2

Greater London 500 23 46,9 28,7 1,4

South East 500 24 44,8 30,7 0,4

South West 500 26,2 42,3 31,1 0,4

Wales 500 22,2 48,8 29,1 0

Scotland 501 19,7 46,2 33,9 0,2


SEX

Male 2941 22,7 46,1 30,8 0,4

Female 3069 20,4 44,6 34,7 0,4

AGE

15 - 24 902 13,5 39,7 46,4 0,4

25 - 39 1543 19,7 49 31 0,3

40 - 54 1511 22,7 48,8 28,2 0,3

55 + 1900 25,5 42,4 31,5 0,5

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 17,4 38 44,1 0,5

16 - 20 2882 19,6 45,8 34,3 0,3

20 + 1274 32,7 53,4 13,5 0,4


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 25,5 49,8 24,1 0,5

Employee 2697 19,9 46,3 33,3 0,4

Manual worker 2058 22,8 43,1 33,8 0,2

Not working 618 29,2 46,1 24,1 0,6

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 13,6 41,9 44,5 0

Rural zones 2419 20,5 41,3 37,7 0,5



Table 11. Frequency of discussing European political matters

QUESTION: Q7_b. When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss European political matters frequently, occasionally or never?

Total N

%

Frequently

%

Occasionally % Never

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 8,9 42,6 48,3 0,2

REGION North 500 8,2 34,3 57,1 0,3

North West 501 6,9 40,5 52,2 0,4

York / Humberside 500 7,1 41,6 50,9 0,3

East Midlands 502 9,6 42,2 48 0,2

West Midlands 500 8,6 41,3 49,9 0,2

Eastern 500 9 47,1 44 0

Greater London 500 9,8 45,4 44,5 0,3

South East 500 9,1 46,9 44 0

South West 500 11,8 40,1 47,9 0,2

Wales 500 8,1 46 45,8 0

Scotland 501 10,7 37,5 51,8 0


SEX

Male 2941 9,4 42,5 47,8 0,2

Female 3069 8,4 42,7 48,7 0,1

AGE

15 - 24 902 6,2 35,8 57,9 0,1

25 - 39 1543 6,2 44,7 48,8 0,2

40 - 54 1511 9,1 46,7 44 0,2

55 + 1900 11,7 41 47,2 0,1

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 8,8 40,8 50,1 0,2

20 + 1274 10,8 57,1 32 0,2

Still in education 453 5,6 41 53,4 0

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 11,3 48,1 40,5 0,1

Employee 2697 7 43,4 49,4 0,3

Manual worker 2058 10,6 40,4 48,9 0,1

Not working 618 12,3 48,3 39,5 0

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 8 45,7 46 0,2

Other towns 409 6,4 35 58,6 0

Rural zones 2419 9,5 39,9 50,4 0,2


page 86

Table 12. Participation in the last national or local election

QUESTION: Q8. Have you participated in the last national or local election?

Total N % Yes % No

% Was not

eligible to

vote

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 69,5 26,4 3,7 0,3

REGION North 500 68 27,8 3,9 0,3

North West 501 68,7 27,9 3,4 0

York / Humberside 500 70,8 23,2 5,7 0,2

East Midlands 502 66,5 28,6 4,4 0,4

West Midlands 500 68,1 29,2 2,7 0

Eastern 500 67,9 26,9 4,5 0,6

Greater London 500 66 29,3 4 0,6

South East 500 73,2 22,7 3,8 0,2

South West 500 72,5 24,2 2,7 0,6

Wales 500 71,6 23,2 4,5 0,7

Scotland 501 71,1 27,3 1,3 0,4


SEX

Male 2941 68,3 26,8 4,5 0,4

Female 3069 70,7 26,1 2,9 0,3

AGE

15 - 24 902 30,2 47,1 22,2 0,4

25 - 39 1543 66,1 32,9 0,9 0,1

40 - 54 1511 76,6 22,8 0,4 0,3

55 + 1900 84,3 15,1 0,1 0,4

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 70,4 27,7 1,6 0,2

20 + 1274 80,1 19 0,7 0,1


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 71,1 24,1 4,3 0,5

Employee 2697 67,6 28,1 4,2 0,2

Manual worker 2058 73,9 23,1 2,8 0,3

Not working 618 72 26,7 0,9 0,3

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 72,2 25,5 2 0,3

Other towns 409 64,3 32,3 3,5 0

Rural zones 2419 67,8 25,6 6 0,5



Table 13. Participation in the last European election in 2004

QUESTION: Q9. And have you participated in the last European election in 2004?

Total N % Yes % No

% Was not

eligible to

vote

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 33,8 58,7 4,1 3,4

REGION North 500 30,5 63 3,1 3,5

North West 501 31,5 61,2 4,4 2,8

York / Humberside 500 32,9 57,8 5,6 3,8

East Midlands 502 29,6 61,9 3,7 4,9

West Midlands 500 32,1 61,3 3,5 3,1

Eastern 500 30,9 59,9 4,9 4,3

Greater London 500 34,4 57,9 4,6 3,2

South East 500 35,2 57,9 4,1 2,9

South West 500 34,8 57,5 2,7 4,9

Wales 500 33,5 56,4 5,6 4,5

Scotland 501 39,2 57 2,1 1,6


SEX

Male 2941 33,9 59,7 4,5 1,8

Female 3069 33,7 57,7 3,6 5

AGE

15 - 24 902 10 64 24,8 1,2

25 - 39 1543 25,7 70,7 0,6 3

40 - 54 1511 40,6 54,6 0,3 4,5

55 + 1900 45,5 50,3 0,3 3,9

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 32,7 62,5 0,9 4

16 - 20 2882 33,5 60,9 2 3,6

20 + 1274 45,7 50,4 0,7 3,1


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 37,2 55,7 4,7 2,4

Employee 2697 31,9 60,1 4,6 3,4

Manual worker 2058 36,1 57,1 3 3,7

Not working 618 36,1 60,4 0,6 2,9

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 26,4 66,8 3,8 3

Rural zones 2419 34,5 55,1 6,6 3,8


page 88

Table 14. Intention to vote in the next European Parliament election

QUESTION: Q10. Do you intend to vote in the next European Parliament election?

Total N % Yes % No

% Was not

eligible to

vote

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 59,2 30,2 1,5 9

REGION North 500 53,2 38,1 1,1 7,6

North West 501 56,6 32 2,4 9

York / Humberside 500 54,3 34,3 2 9,4

East Midlands 502 55,8 32,7 1,7 9,8

West Midlands 500 59,6 29,1 1,8 9,4

Eastern 500 55,7 34,7 1,7 7,9

Greater London 500 61,6 27,9 1,6 8,9

South East 500 58,5 30,9 1,2 9,5

South West 500 61 27,3 0,7 11

Wales 500 65,5 24,3 1,8 8,4

Scotland 501 65,7 25,6 0 8,7

Northern Ireland 506 69,6 22,5 2 5,9

SEX

Male 2941 57,6 33,6 1,7 7,1

Female 3069 60,7 27,1 1,3 10,9

AGE

15 - 24 902 53,4 33,3 7,3 5,9

25 - 39 1543 52,6 36,8 0,8 9,8

40 - 54 1511 61,9 28,2 0,4 9,6

55 + 1900 64,9 25,5 0,3 9,3

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 58 32,3 0,6 9,1

20 + 1274 70,1 21,9 1 7

Still in education 453 52,5 28,4 11,1 8

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 63 26,5 1,8 8,7

Employee 2697 58,8 30,3 1,4 9,5

Manual worker 2058 59 31 1,4 8,5

Not working 618 60,9 31,8 1 6,2

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 59,9 29,3 0,8 10

Other towns 409 49 40,2 0,3 10,5

Rural zones 2419 60,8 28,3 2,3 8,7



Table 15a. Benefits of being part of the EU 1/1

QUESTION: Q11_a-c. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

% �agree� shown

Total N

Being part of the

EU Has

improved my

civil rights?

Being part of

the EU Has

meant peace in

Europe?


Means consumers in

the UK benefit from

the free market of

goods resulting from

the European Single

Market?

UK 6010 37,4 39,7 48,5

REGION North 500 34,2 37,9 43,6

North West 501 36 41,2 46,6

York / Humberside 500 37,1 39,8 48,7

East Midlands 502 32,6 31,7 42,2

West Midlands 500 37,7 38,4 47,6

Eastern 500 32,9 36,5 45,3

Greater London 500 40,7 41,8 53

South East 500 32,8 38,5 45,7

South West 500 38,5 43 48,8

Wales 500 42,4 42,9 52,5

Scotland 501 43,1 40,5 54,9


SEX

Male 2941 39,3 44,2 52,3

Female 3069 35,5 35,3 44,9

AGE

15 - 24 902 42,5 41,8 53,4

25 - 39 1543 38,5 37,5 52,7

40 - 54 1511 39,2 38,1 50,2

55 + 1900 32,9 41,4 42,4

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 34,3 36 45,8

20 + 1274 48,8 50,8 62,2


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 45,5 44,9 54

Employee 2697 37,1 39,8 48,8

Manual worker 2058 34,8 38,2 46,1

Not working 618 37,2 38,6 52,5

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 32,5 32 40,9

Rural zones 2419 34,1 41,4 45,5


page 90

Table 15b. Benefits of being part of the EU 1/2

QUESTION: Q11_d-f. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

% �agree� shown

Total N

Being part of

the EU Means

improved

working

conditions in

the UK?

Being part of

the EU Means

a cleaner

environment?

Being part of

the EU Means

having more

say in trade

negotiations?

UK 6010 41,7 48,4 46,2

REGION North 500 40,5 55,2 48

North West 501 38,1 47,5 47,5

York / Humberside 500 43,4 49,7 45,3

East Midlands 502 34,1 45,2 39,3

West Midlands 500 39,9 49,2 45,4

Eastern 500 40,7 43,1 43,6

Greater London 500 46,2 45,7 49,2

South East 500 37,3 42,8 40,8

South West 500 45,7 51,3 45,9

Wales 500 44,3 55,8 52,9

Scotland 501 44,8 53,3 52,4

Northern Ireland 506 56,2 62,5 54

SEX

Male 2941 43,8 51,4 47

Female 3069 39,6 45,5 45,6

AGE

15 - 24 902 51,8 47,3 49,2

25 - 39 1543 41,9 46,5 47,9

40 - 54 1511 41,8 49,6 45,8

55 + 1900 37,6 50,3 44,9

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 39,9 47,3 43,2

20 + 1274 48,5 49,5 52,2

Still in education 453 54,9 48,7 53

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 46,4 50,5 49,7

Employee 2697 41,9 48,2 45,9

Manual worker 2058 39,1 47,9 45,5

Not working 618 42,5 48,1 45,7

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 36,2 49,7 41,2

Rural zones 2419 40,9 49,6 46,6



Table 16. How serious the issue for UK - Climate change

QUESTION: Q12_a. How serious are the following issues for this country? - Climate change

Total N

% Very

serious % Serious

% Not

serious

% Not at all

serious

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 56,5 33,4 5,9 2,7 1,5

REGION North 500 56,8 30,5 5,8 3,7 3,1

North West 501 48,4 41,3 6,9 2,1 1,2

York / Humberside 500 54,5 33,4 6,1 3,7 2,3

East Midlands 502 57,5 33 6,5 1,6 1,4

West Midlands 500 58,8 31,6 4,1 3,3 2,1

Eastern 500 58,6 29,2 7,7 3 1,5

Greater London 500 54,4 34,5 7,3 2 1,8

South East 500 57,1 34,2 4,7 2,7 1,3

South West 500 59,1 31,9 5,4 2,8 0,8

Wales 500 65,5 26,9 3,8 3 0,8

Scotland 501 58,6 32,4 5,5 2,4 1,1


SEX

Male 2941 52,7 34 7,9 4,1 1,3

Female 3069 60,1 32,8 4 1,4 1,7

AGE

15 - 24 902 49,3 37,8 8 2,3 2,6

25 - 39 1543 57,4 34 5 2,2 1,4

40 - 54 1511 59,1 33,1 5,2 2,1 0,5

55 + 1900 56,8 31,7 5,9 3,6 2

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 56,2 34,7 5,3 2,7 1,1

20 + 1274 63,8 27,8 5,8 2 0,7


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 57,5 32,4 5,8 3,1 1,1

Employee 2697 55,8 34,3 5,9 2,5 1,4

Manual worker 2058 58,2 32,1 5,7 2,7 1,3

Not working 618 58,5 31,1 5,4 3,7 1,2

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 59 32,2 6 1,9 0,8

Other towns 409 53,8 36,3 7 2,6 0,4

Rural zones 2419 54,6 34,3 5,6 3,2 2,3


page 92

Table 17. How serious the issue for UK - Protecting human rights

QUESTION: Q12_b. How serious are the following issues for this country? - Protecting human rights

Total N

% Very

serious % Serious

% Not

serious

% Not at all

serious

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 42,6 43,5 8,4 3,1 2,4

REGION North 500 42 45,6 6,2 3,8 2,4

North West 501 39,4 43,5 11,2 2,5 3,4

York / Humberside 500 40,4 43,8 7,6 3,6 4,5

East Midlands 502 42,9 45,1 6,8 2,7 2,5

West Midlands 500 44,5 41,6 8,6 2,6 2,7

Eastern 500 45,3 39,3 10,1 3,3 2

Greater London 500 45 39,5 10 2,5 2,9

South East 500 38,2 48,8 7,7 3,9 1,4

South West 500 40,3 47,2 8,1 3,4 1

Wales 500 49,7 36,4 7,8 4,1 2

Scotland 501 45 44,7 5,4 2,9 1,9

Northern Ireland 506 43,6 44,8 7,4 2,2 2

SEX

Male 2941 38,8 43,8 11,5 4,1 2

Female 3069 46,2 43,3 5,5 2,2 2,9

AGE

15 - 24 902 43,5 44,3 8,4 1,6 2,3

25 - 39 1543 45,7 44,2 6,5 1,8 1,7

40 - 54 1511 41,9 44,6 9 2,7 1,8

55 + 1900 39,8 42,5 9,3 4,9 3,4

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 41,6 45 8,1 3,1 2,3

20 + 1274 45,5 41,5 9,4 2,2 1,4


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 47,1 40,5 7,8 3,1 1,4

Employee 2697 42,4 44,8 7,9 2,9 2

Manual worker 2058 41,2 43,1 9,6 3,5 2,6

Not working 618 40,6 41,1 11,2 5,2 2

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 44,7 43,8 8 2 1,5

Other towns 409 39,6 50,3 6,6 2,5 1

Rural zones 2419 41,8 42,3 8,5 3,8 3,5



Table 18. How serious the issue for UK - Global poverty

QUESTION: Q12_c. How serious are the following issues for this country? - Global poverty

Total N

% Very

serious % Serious

% Not

serious

% Not at all

serious

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 45,6 40,7 8,1 2,6 2,9

REGION North 500 45,4 41,2 6,5 2 4,9

North West 501 44,6 40,5 9,3 2,5 3,1

York / Humberside 500 43,1 41,8 7,9 3,3 3,8

East Midlands 502 41,5 45,1 8,5 1,4 3,5

West Midlands 500 47,5 41,1 6,8 1,9 2,8

Eastern 500 50,2 35,4 9 2,5 2,9

Greater London 500 45,5 35,9 10,9 3,6 4,2

South East 500 41,6 43,9 8,2 3,9 2,4

South West 500 43,2 46,6 7 1,4 1,9

Wales 500 56,6 32,4 5,8 3,4 1,7

Scotland 501 48,3 42,3 6,3 1,6 1,4


SEX

Male 2941 40,1 42,7 11,4 3,6 2,3

Female 3069 50,9 38,9 5 1,7 3,6

AGE

15 - 24 902 44,8 40,1 8,6 3,1 3,4

25 - 39 1543 45,2 43 8,1 1,6 2,2

40 - 54 1511 46,4 40,3 8,8 2,8 1,7

55 + 1900 45,7 39,9 7,2 3 4,2

EDUCATION

until 15 years of age 1280 43,8 41,6 6,5 3 5

16 - 20 2882 44,8 41,9 8 2,9 2,4

20 + 1274 49,3 37,9 10,2 1,3 1,3


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 47,8 37,3 9,7 3,3 1,8

Employee 2697 44,3 42,8 7,6 2,5 2,8

Manual worker 2058 47,1 39,8 8 2,5 2,7

Not working 618 46,1 40,4 9,1 3,4 1

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 40,3 46,5 8,5 2,7 1,9

Rural zones 2419 46,9 39 6,7 2,9 4,5


page 94

Table 19. How serious the issue for UK - Secure energy supplies

QUESTION: Q12_d. How serious are the following issues for this country? - Secure energy supplies

Total N

% Very

serious % Serious

% Not

serious

% Not at all

serious

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 40,7 46,9 6,7 1,8 3,9

REGION North 500 40 44,7 8,6 2,3 4,5

North West 501 37,8 48,3 8,5 2,4 3

York / Humberside 500 38,7 45,2 7,1 2 7

East Midlands 502 39,8 48,2 6,7 1,1 4,3

West Midlands 500 42,5 45,8 6,5 1,6 3,7

Eastern 500 46,4 43,1 7 0,9 2,6

Greater London 500 41,5 44,2 6,5 3,3 4,6

South East 500 38 50,6 5,9 1,7 3,8

South West 500 41,6 50,2 5,3 1,1 1,7

Wales 500 49 42,6 4,8 1,6 2

Scotland 501 38,1 49,1 6,7 1,3 4,7


SEX

Male 2941 40,7 46,6 7,8 1,9 3

Female 3069 40,8 47,2 5,7 1,7 4,7

AGE

15 - 24 902 33,4 51,3 10,5 1,3 3,5

25 - 39 1543 40,1 47,2 7,7 1,6 3,4

40 - 54 1511 41,3 47,6 6,2 2,1 2,9

55 + 1900 43,9 44,2 4,8 2 5,1

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 39,8 48,9 6,7 1,6 3

20 + 1274 45,9 44,8 6,2 0,9 2,1

Still in education 453 38,9 44,6 9 1,5 6,1

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 43,6 47,1 5,5 1,3 2,5

Employee 2697 39,5 47,9 7 1,9 3,6

Manual worker 2058 41,7 46,2 6,7 1,4 3,9

Not working 618 41,2 47,9 6,5 2 2,4

LOCALITY TYPE

Metropolitan area 2469 40,9 48 6,8 1,2 3,1

Other towns 409 39,7 47,1 8,8 2,2 2,2

Rural zones 2419 40,5 45,9 6,5 2 5,1



Table 20. How serious the issue for UK - Fighting terrorism

QUESTION: Q12_e. How serious are the following issues for this country? - Fighting terrorism

Total N

% Very

serious % Serious

% Not

serious

% Not at all

serious

% Don't

know/ Not

answered

UK 6010 61,1 31,1 4,3 1,6 1,9

REGION North 500 59,2 35 2,5 1,4 1,9

North West 501 62,2 30,4 4,8 1,1 1,5

York / Humberside 500 58,2 31,6 4,6 2 3,7

East Midlands 502 55,5 37 4,2 1,2 2

West Midlands 500 68,3 25,1 3,7 0,8 2,1

Eastern 500 64 27,6 3,8 2,4 2,1

Greater London 500 57,6 33,2 4,4 2 2,7

South East 500 62,5 30,5 4,5 1,5 0,9

South West 500 57,5 34,2 4,7 1,5 2,1

Wales 500 68,4 25,2 3,8 1,5 1,1

Scotland 501 61,8 30,9 4,6 1,6 1,1


SEX

Male 2941 55,7 34,8 5,7 1,9 1,8

Female 3069 66,4 27,5 2,9 1,2 2

AGE

15 - 24 902 57,4 32,4 5,4 2,4 2,3

25 - 39 1543 61 31,3 4,6 1,4 1,6

40 - 54 1511 59,2 33,8 4,1 1,3 1,6

55 + 1900 65,1 27,6 3,5 1,5 2,2

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 63,6 30,4 3,1 1,4 1,5

20 + 1274 54,1 36 6,7 1,7 1,5

Still in education 453 59,2 29,2 6 1,9 3,8

OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 59,5 32,7 4,5 1,9 1,4

Employee 2697 61,3 30,5 5 1,4 1,8

Manual worker 2058 62,6 30,6 3,5 1,5 1,8

Not working 618 55,1 36,1 4,2 3,3 1,3

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 63,9 30 4 1,6 0,5

Rural zones 2419 63,2 28,7 4,3 1,5 2,4


page 96

Table 21. Issues EU has a role to resolve

QUESTION: Q13_a-e. Which of the following issues do you feel that the EU has a role in tackling?

% �EU has a role� shown

Total N

Climate

change

Protecting

human

rights

Global

poverty

Secure

energy

supplies

Fighting

terrorism

UK 6010 80,4 84,8 81,8 79,9 85,6

REGION North 500 76,8 81,8 79,8 77,8 84,8

North West 501 76,3 84,6 79,5 80,1 83,3

York / Humberside 500 79,6 82 79 77,4 83,4

East Midlands 502 80,5 83,6 82,3 77 84,3

West Midlands 500 80,7 85,8 81,1 78,1 86,8

Eastern 500 82,3 82,4 78 79,2 86,3

Greater London 500 79,3 83 80,8 76 83,4

South East 500 80,1 86 84,7 81,5 86,8

South West 500 83,8 85,9 82,9 82,5 86,5

Wales 500 86,1 88,4 86,6 86,6 92,2

Scotland 501 81,2 88,6 85 82,6 86,3

Northern Ireland 506 83 88 86,7 86,6 86,3

SEX

Male 2941 83,1 84,6 81,2 80,8 85

Female 3069 77,9 85 82,4 79 86,1

AGE

15 - 24 902 70,3 83,5 77,5 69,6 81,8

25 - 39 1543 83,4 88,5 84,6 81,3 87

40 - 54 1511 85,6 87,6 84,3 83,9 87,6

55 + 1900 78,8 80,4 79,8 80,2 84,6

EDUCATION


16 - 20 2882 81 85,4 83,1 80,2 87,5

20 + 1274 89,5 90,8 87,5 87,6 88,6


OCCUPATION

Self-employed 1062 82,9 87,1 84,6 82 86,2

Employee 2697 79,7 85,4 81,7 79,8 85,5

Manual worker 2058 82,6 84,4 83 81,2 87

Not working 618 82,5 85 83 82,6 85

LOCALITY TYPE


Other towns 409 79,6 87,4 81,5 79,2 86,9

Rural zones 2419 74,6 80,9 78,2 76,5 83,5



9. Survey Methodology

This survey on the "EU Attitudes in the UK" was conducted for the European Commission UK Representation by Gallup Hungary. Telephone interviews were conducted in each UK region. The interviews were conducted between the 05-28/01/2007 by Gallup UK: Representativeness of the results Each regional sample is representative of the population aged 15 years and above. The socio-demographic parameters of the sample were fitted to the similar parameters of the universe in each country, with a procedure called post-stratification raking. Sizes of the sample Equal numbers of interviews were achieved in each Government Office region of the country thereby enabling statistical comparisons between the regions. The sample sizes amount to approximately 500 respondents in each.

Conducted Total 6010 Scotland 501 North 500 North West 501 Yorks and Humberside 500 East Midlands 502 West Midlands 500 Wales 500 East Anglia 500 Greater London 500 South East 500 South West 500 Northern Ireland 506

Data within each region was weighted to the profile of all adults in that area by important socio-demographic variables. To obtain data representative of the whole country, data was then weighted to reflect the actual proportion of the total population living in each area.


page 98

Statistical significance of the results The results in a survey are valid only between the limits of a statistical margin caused by the sampling process. 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=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



UK Regions, FL203 Final questionnaire

MAIN QUESTIONNAIRE

2006-12-19

FAMILIARITY

Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. 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 (that allows citizens to receive medical

treatment in any other EU country) .......................................................................... 1 2 9

c) the Bathing water report and Blue Flag guide to inform people about the safety

and cleanliness standards of Europe�s beaches ...................................................... 1 2 9

d) the right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State .............. 1 2 9

f) Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad (roaming

charges, prices)....................................................................................................... 1 2 9

g) securing energy supplies......................................................................................... 1 2 9

h) increases in food-safety standards ......................................................................... 1 2 9

AWARENESS OF RESOURCES

Q2. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have

you heard about:

yes .......................................................................................................1

no.........................................................................................................2

DK/NA ..................................................................................................9


a) the EUROPA website, the main homepage of the European Institutions ................ 1 2 9

b) Euro Info Centres (EICs) ........................................................................................ 1 2 9

c) European Public Information Centres (EPICs) ........................................................ 1 2 9

d) European Documentation Centres (EDCs) ............................................................. 1 2 9

e) Europe Direct centres......................................................................................................

FILTER! ASK ITEM ONLY IF RESP. HEARD ABOUT IN Q2.a. from a-e. SKIP Q6. COMPLETELY IF ALL IN Q.2_a-e is �2� OR

�9�

Q6. And did you use any of them to get EU-related information?

yes .......................................................................................................1

no.........................................................................................................2

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9


page 100


a) the EUROPA website, that is, the main homepage of the European Institutions ...... 1 2 9

b) Euro Info Centres (EICs) ........................................................................................ 1 2 9

c) European Public Information Centres (EPICs) ........................................................ 1 2 9

d) European Documentation Centres (EDCs) ............................................................. 1 2 9

e) Europe Direct centres.............................................................................................. 1 2 9

STATED PERSONAL AWARENESS

Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in �

Very interested .....................................................................................1

Fairly interested....................................................................................2

Not interested .....................................................................................3

Not interested at all..............................................................................4

DK/NA ..................................................................................................9

A) Domestic affairs ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 9

B) European affairs......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 9

Q4. 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

INTEREST

Q5. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its decisions? Please choose

ONE ANSWER!

[READ OUT � ROTATE - ONE ANSWER ONLY]

EU institutions ......................................................................................1

The British government.........................................................................2

The local government ...........................................................................3

Political parties .....................................................................................4

Newspapers/television..........................................................................5

EU information centres in the UK..........................................................6

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

PARTICIPATION



Q7. When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss frequently, occasionally or never?

Frequently ...........................................................................................1

Occasionally.........................................................................................2

Never ...................................................................................................3

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9


A) National political matters ........................................................................................1 2 3 9

B) European political matters ......................................................................................1 2 3 9

Q8. Have you participated in the last national or local election (whichever election was most recent)?

yes .......................................................................................................1

no.........................................................................................................2

was not eligible to vote ........................................................................3

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

Q9. And have you participated in the last European election in 2004?

yes .......................................................................................................1

no.........................................................................................................2

was not eligible to vote ........................................................................3

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

Q10. Do you intend to vote in the next European Parliament election?

yes .......................................................................................................1

no.........................................................................................................2

will not be eligible to vote .....................................................................3

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

Q11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Being part of the EU �

agree....................................................................................................1

disagree ...............................................................................................2

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

a) has improved my civil rights .................................................................................... 1 2 9

b) has meant peace in Europe..................................................................................... 1 2 9

c) means consumers in the UK benefit from the free

market of goods resulting from the European Single Market.................................... 1 2 9

d) means improved working conditions in the UK ....................................................... 1 2 9

e) means a cleaner environment ................................................................................. 1 2 9

f) means having more say in trade negotiations.......................................................... 1 2 9


page 102


Very serious ........................................................................................4

Serious.................................................................................................3

Not serious ...........................................................................................2

Not at all serious...................................................................................1

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

Climate change 1 2 3 4 9

Protecting human rights 1 2 3 4 9

Global poverty 1 2 3 4 9

Secure energy supplies 1 2 3 4 9

Fighting terrorism 1 2 3 4 9

Q13. Which of the following issues do you feel that the EU has a role in tackling?

EU has a role .......................................................................................1

EU does not have a role ......................................................................2

[DK/NA] ................................................................................................9

Climate change ........................................................................................... 1 2 9

Protecting human rights............................................................................... 1 2 9

Global poverty ............................................................................................. 1 2 9

Secure energy supplies............................................................................... 1 2 9

Fighting terrorism ........................................................................................ 1 2 9

DEMOGRAPHICS

D1. Sex of respondent

(DO NOT ASK - MARK APPROPRIATE)

male .....................................................................................................1

female ..................................................................................................2

D2. How old are you?

[_][_] Years old

[ 9 9 ] [REFUSAL/NO ANSWER]

D3. How old were you when you stopped full-time education?

(CODE THE AGE OF EDUCATION TERMINATION)

[_][_] years old

[ 9 9 ] [REFUSAL/ NO ANSWER]

[ 0 1 ] [NEVER BEEN IN FULL TIME EDUCATION]

[ 0 0 ] [STILL IN FULL TIME EDUCATION]



D4. As far as your current occupation is concerned, would you say you are self-employed, an employee, a manual worker, or

without a professional activity?

(IF A RESPONSE TO THE MAIN CATEGORY IS GIVEN, READ OUT THE RESPECTIVE SUB-CATEGORIES:)

Does this mean that you are a(n)�

- 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 (SPECIFY) .......................................................................... 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 (SPECIFY) ........................................................................... 27

- Manual worker

i.e. : - supervisor / foreman (team manager, etc �)................................ 31

- manual worker ......................................................................... 32

- unskilled manual worker ................................................................ 33

- other (SPECIFY) ......................................................................... 34

- Without a professional activity

i.e. : - looking after the home................................................................... 41

- student (full time)........................................................................... 42

- retired ........................................................................................... 43

- seeking a job ................................................................................. 44

- other (SPECIFY) ........................................................................... 45

- (Refusal) ........................................................................................................ 99

D6. Would you say you live in a(n) � ?

- metropolitan zone....................................................................................................... 1

- other town/urban centre ............................................................................................. 2 - rural zone .................................................................................................................. 3 - DK/Refusal ................................................................................................................9

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