Peiling ziet forse aanhang voor EU-grondwet in Groot-Brittannië (en)

For the first time more people in the UK are in favour of the proposed European Constitution than against it, according to a new poll published on Wednesday (9 February).

The Populus poll for the Times showed 36 percent of people saying "yes" to the question "should the UK approve the treaty establishing a Constitution for the European Union". Only 29 percent replied "no".

This question will face the voters in the ballot box. It has been cleared by the UKs electoral Commission and accepted by all the main political parties.

But pollsters have said that the words "approve" and "treaty" are positive, pushing people towards a "yes" vote.

Polling company ICM showed the difference the wording can make. When ICM ran a poll with the official question, it resulted in an even 39-39 split. When they asked the question, "If there were a referendum tomorrow, would you vote for Britain to sign up to the European constitution or not?", the "no" camp won by 54-26.

The Populus poll was conducted between 4 and 6 February and 1518 adults were asked.

A date for the referendum in the UK has not yet been set, but is expected in Spring next year.