58% of likely voters in a hypothetical future referendum would back rejoining the bloc, with almost half (49%) of the public supporting a new referendum after the next General Election.
Our latest MORI poll suggests that the tax harmonisation dispute has caused a marked anti-EMU swing in public opinion. This has largely reversed the previous pro-EMU swing since October 1997, which had been caused by the government's statements in favour of the principle of joining the single currency.
Cohn & Wolfe commissioned MORI to produce this study as part of a strategy to promote the work of Deloitte Consulting in euro-related projects. This specific project is intended to generate brand publicity on a pan-European basis and demonstrate expertise and insight into the implications of the euro's introduction.
Sterling's recent recovery against euro-area currencies is likely to prove temporary. The pound remains very overvalued compared to its long-run norm in real terms, and the weakening economy implies that the UK's interest rate cushion will continue to erode - unless sterling falls very sharply.
Today's poll among Conservative party members seems certain to show a sizeable anti-EMU majority. Our latest MORI poll suggests that overall public opinion also on balance is still against early EMU entry, but that opposition to EMU is well down from a year ago, and has diminished markedly among Conservative voters.
Our latest MORI poll shows a sharp drop in the general public's hostility to EMU. The balance of opinion against EMU membership is now the lowest since MORI started polling on this question in 1991. Our second question, which allows for the government's strong pro-EMU stance, shows an even closer position.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that the manufacturers of designer goods (including perfumes, cosmetics, clothes and sunglasses) can prevent supermarkets in Britain selling these manufacturers' products to shoppers at discount prices.
