Press releases
10/09/07
New poll: trade union members back referendum on revised EU Constitution
A new Yougov poll of 1,000 trade union members finds that a by three-to-one majority they believe that the Government should hold a referendum on the revised Constitutional Treaty.
The poll, for I Want a Referendum.com, also finds that the Government could lose key supporters in the next election if it refuses to let people have a say.
Key findings
73% of trade unionists want a referendum on the Constitutional Treaty. Only 27% thought that MPs should have the final say.
42% of respondents agreed that "It would be bad for trade union members like me if more decisions were taken at the European level in Brussels" – roughly twice as many as the 18% who thought it would be a good thing.
34% of trade unionists said that they would be less likely to vote Labour in the next election if Gordon Brown refused to give people a say in a referendum on the EU Constitution. Only 4% were more likely to vote Labour.
40% of trade union members thought that their union should not take sides in the debate if a referendum was called. 22% believed their union should campaign for a no vote and 17% believed they should campaign for a yes vote.
Labour MP Ian Davidson said: "Trade union members should not be taken for granted. This poll shows they want a referendum on the Constitutional Treaty. If members want a vote, their leaders should try to get them one. Trade union leaders should listen to their members and the government should listen to its voters."
Notes for Editors:
1. For more information call Neil O'Brien on 0207 197 2333 or 07973 142 775
2. Yougov interviewed 1,000 trade union members between 5 and 7 September
3. The full details of the poll are below
Q1: You may have seen or heard that the members of the European Union are trying to draw up a new treaty that will give it more powers. Who should decide whether Britain ratifies the new treaty?
23% The British Parliament should have the final say
73% The British people should have the final say in a referendum
4% Don't know
Q2: Which statement comes closest to your view?
16% It would be good for trade union members like me if more decisions were taken at the European level in Brussels
42% It would be bad for trade union members like me if more decisions were taken at the European level in Brussels
24% It would not make much difference for trade union members like me if more decisions were taken at the European level in Brussels
17% Don't know
Q3: If Gordon Brown was to refuse to give people a say in a referendum on a new treaty would that make you more or less likely to vote Labour in the next election?
4% More likely to vote Labour
34% Less likely to vote Labour
21% It would make no difference- I would vote Labour anyway
33% It would make no difference- I would NOT note Labour anyway
8% Don't know
Q4: If the Government does call a referendum on the EU treaty, how do you think your union should campaign in that referendum?
16% My union should campaign for a yes vote
26% My union should campaign for a no vote
40% My union should not take sides
18% Don't know
Download the full results.