Single European Currency Tracker, November 2002

There has been a slight drop in the gap between those who would vote in a referendum for the UK to join the European Monetary Union (EMU) and those who would vote against.

The latest survey, by MORI Financial Services (MFS), was for Schroder Salomon Smith Barney. When asked how they would vote in a referendum on whether Britain should join a single European currency, support for EMU entry edged up to 31% from 29% in September.

The proportion against EMU entry slipped fractionally to 55% from 56% in September. This means the balance against EMU entry fell slightly, to 24% from 27% in September, but remains similar to the levels seen in the surveys of February, May and July this year and above the January level.

When asked how they would vote if the Government were to 'strongly urge' Britain should be part of the EMU, the proportion supporting EMU entry is stable at 35%, while the share against edged down from 52% in September to 51% now. Thus, the balance against EMU entry slipped a notch to 16% from 17% in September but is similar to the levels in February, May and July this year and above the January figure.

Technical details

Latest polling conducted between 7 and 12 November 2002. Sample size 1,859 people for latest, similar for earlier polls.

Source: MORI Financial Services and Schroder Salomon Smith Barney

UK — Question 2: "If the government were to strongly urge that Britain should be part of a single European currency, how would you vote?" Nov 97-Nov 02