If you hadn’t seen it already over the past few days, Global Vision has commissioned a poll, producing some really interesting and significant results. When people were asked of Britain’s ideal relationship with Europe, most opted for having a looser relationship with the EU based on trade and cooperation whilst opting out of political and economic union – 41% preferred this option, compared with 27% wishing to stay a full EU member and 26% wishing to withdraw altogether.
First, I have to admit their excellent research beats the existing media obsession with EU institutional expenses (which is important but it is not why I disagree with the EU). It is a matter of principle as well as a matter of pennies.
Second, it shows that a looser relationship is the most popular option, at a time when there is news of the Daily Politics show having done a poll demonstrating that people aren't so bothered about rejecting the Treaty anymore (only 40% would reject it!)
Third, it has established through the poll that if the Conservative Party were committed to renegotiating Britain’s relationship with the EU to a looser one based on trade and cooperation, this would be “electorally advantageous to the Conservatives.” The poll shows that 25% of Labour-leaning and 27% of Lib Dem-leaning voters would be “more likely” to vote Conservative (and 33% of “other” voters), whilst only 11% of Conservative-leaning voters would be “less likely” to vote Conservative.
The Conservative Party must realise by now that any renegotiation plan would of course be monumental, but at the same time, feasible and popular.
