It emerges that opposition to the euro is widespread but not necessarily intense. Millions of people might be persuaded to change their minds. A large proportion of Gallup's respondents approach the issue with a certain fatalism. As a result, so long as Tony Blair and Labour remain popular, their approach to the euro and Europe enjoys a built-in advantage. The outcome of any euro referendum could well depend on its timing.
Many voters feel ambivalence and uncertainty about the euro and Europe.
Only 28 percent would vote in favour. The finding is significant given that a referendum would be held only if the Blair Government did recommend in favour. Moreover, a lead from their own party proves crucial in the thinking of many voters. Conservative supporters could be forgiven for supposing that, because popular opposition to the euro coincides with the Conservative Party's own policies, the Tories would be most voters' preferred party on Europe in general. As the figures make clear, Labour is more popular than the Tories on Europe partly because Labour is more popular than the Tories in general.