Attitudes towards the EU in the United Kingdom

Flash Eurobarometer European Commission Attitudes towards the EU in the United Kingdom Analytical Report Fieldwork: January 200 Publication: May 200 Flash Eurobarometer 203 The Gallup Organization This survey was requested by the EC Representation to the UK and coordinated by Directorate-General Communication This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

Flash EB Series #203 Attitudes towards the EU in the United Kingdom Conducted by The Gallup Organisation Hungary/Europe upon the request of the EC Representation to the United Kingdom Survey organised and managed by the Eurobarometer Team of DG Communication This document does not reflect the views of the European Commission. Any interpretations or opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors alone. THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION

UK attitudes about the EU Introduction Concerning the attitudes toward the European Union (EU) in the United Kingdom (UK), the European Commission is keeping track of general opinion, levels of knowledge and information, and familiarity with certain important issues of the British public. The main themes in the report are the following: self-perceived knowledge of the EU need for more information on the EU knowledge of the EU who should be responsible for keeping people informed about the EU areas on which the British would prefer more information information channels EU laws benefits of EU membership opportunities provided by EU membership awareness of several benefits and projects related to the EU the next big action area for the EU This study is continuing on from an earlier Flash Eurobarometer survey undertaken in 2002. The content of the questionnaires, however, changed substantially to reflect the changing reality within the EU and the UK. This report sums up the most important attitudes regarding the EU in 12 regions of the UK. The survey s fieldwork was carried out between the 5 th and the 2 th of January 200. Over,000 randomly selected citizens aged 1 years and older were interviewed in the 12 Government Regions of the UK; roughly 500 respondents were in each region. Interviews were carried out via landline telephone. To correct for sampling disparities, a post-stratification weighting of the results was implemented based on important socio-demographic variables. Analytical Report, page 3

Main findings Overall no great improvement in the UK s attitudes towards the EU There has been no significant improvement in the attitudes of UK citizens towards the EU. On the positive side, though, half of the people questioned feel that EU membership has brought benefits: from the free market of goods, a cleaner environment and that now the UK has more say in trade negotiations. However, the bad news far outweighs the good: fewer citizens now see the positive effects of the EU on working conditions and the benefits of the Single Market compared to the numbers registered in 200 information about new EU initiatives only reaches one in two UK citizens at best awareness about the availability of the EU s information sources remains low Surprisingly, however, for all the problems mentioned as being serious (fighting terrorism, climate change, global poverty, etc.), the vast majority of UK citizens over 0% on all issues believe that the EU has a role to play. Effective communications Public communications about the EU s efforts to improve the lives of its citizens vary in effectiveness across the UK. In the best case, information about new measures reaches one in two UK citizens; in other cases, it only reaches about a quarter of the population. The best known of the EU s initiatives are food safety standards (54% recognition), the regulation of international roaming charges for mobile phones (50%), the Bathing Water and Blue Flag guide (50%), and the European Health Insurance Card (52%). However, awareness of the last-named has declined considerably since the 200 survey (down from 5% to 52%). Knowledge about information sources Relatively few British people know about the EU s information sources and there has been no improvement in the past year. Less than two in 10 of the UK s citizens are aware of the available sources, such as the European Public Information Centres (EPICs) (15% awareness) and the EUROPA website (%). The numbers have gone down for each of the information resources since the 200 survey. European news in the media As only half of the British population is interested in European news, there is obviously much scope for improvement. Television is generally seen to be more objective than the printed press, with the latter seen by many citizens to be overly negative about the EU. Roughly one-third feel that British TV and radio services are objective about the EU; while more people (3%) feel the British press is too negative on the issue. Graduates are far more likely than the average UK citizen to feel that the press it too negative (52%). Nearly half (4%) of all UK citizens feel that it is the role of the British government to disseminate information about the EU nearly 30 percentage points higher than those who feel newspapers and TV should be responsible. page 4

UK attitudes about the EU Domestic vs. European interest British people are more interested, and more active, in domestic politics in comparison to EU affairs. The level of political activity and the willingness to participate in elections is especially low for people under the age of 40. While 0% of British citizens say they participated in the last domestic election, only half as many people (34%) say they voted in the 2004 European elections. Benefits of the EU The relative majority, just under half of British citizens, see the positive effects of EU membership on trade and environmental preservation. However, in terms of working conditions, peace in Europe and human rights, the majority of British people do not think that EU membership has brought advantages. Roughly half of UK citizens agree that EU membership has meant consumers benefit from the Single Market, (4%), the environment is cleaner (4%) and the UK has more say in trade negotiations (4%). Compared to last year, far fewer people see the positive effects of EU membership on working conditions and trade. It would be worth investigating whether these opinions are based on real experience, a negative media campaign or on poor communications. The EU s impact and responsibilities The majority of British citizens see terrorism and climate change as the most serious issues to be tackled. Interestingly, those with a higher level of educational attainment find climate change to be the most important challenge, while people with a lower level of education are more concerned about terrorism. In general, people in Wales and the East of England are more concerned than the rest of the UK about all the issues discussed. Approximately 0% of British citizens feel that terrorism, climate change, global poverty, the protection of human rights, and the security of energy supplies to be serious issues. Furthermore, the very serious issues facing the UK are seen as terrorism (1%) and climate change (5%). A resounding 0% or more feel that the EU has a role in tackling these issues. A snapshot of the UK East of England residents are among the most aware of EU initiatives, but awareness levels in the North East are lower than the UK average. Londoners have a high level of interest in all areas of political affairs. North West citizens are the least likely to feel climate change is a serious issue. Residents of Northern Ireland and Scotland report great advantages of EU membership, while citizens of South East England tend to be negative. In the South West, awareness of EU information sources has dropped noticeably. Welsh citizens are positive about EU initiatives, interested in European affairs and see the benefits of EU membership. Citizens from Yorkshire and the Humber have a low level of interest in politics and European affairs. West Midlands residents are highly likely to see terrorism as a very serious issue; people from the East Midlands see little benefit from EU membership. Analytical Report, page 5

Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Main findings... 4 Table of Contents... 1. Awareness of recent EU projects... 1.1 Increases in food safety standards... 1.2 The European Health Insurance Card... 10 1.3 Regulation of mobile phone roaming charges... 12 1.4 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide... 1.5 Securing energy supplies... 1 1. The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State... 1 2. Awareness of information resources... 1 2.1 Regional differences in awareness... 20 2.2 Comparison to the 200 survey... 21 2.4. Awareness by demographic groupings... 22 2.3 Usage of information resources... 23 2.4 Usage of resources by demographic groups... 24 3. Stated personal interest about EU or UK affairs... 2 3.1 Interest in European affairs by region and by demographic grouping... 2 3.2 Perception of how British media present the EU... 30 3.3 Opinions of British television by region and demographic groups... 31 3.4 Opinions of British radio by region and demographic groups... 33 3.5 Opinions of British press by region and demographics... 35 3. Institutions responsible for providing EU information... 3 4. Participating in the political process... 3 4.1. Discussing political matters... 3 4.2. Participation in elections... 40 4.3. Political interest and participation by region... 42 4.4. Political interest and participation by demographic group... 43 5. The benefits of EU membership... 44. Concerns over critical issues... 52. Regional summaries... 5. Annex tables... 3. Survey Methodology... page

UK attitudes about the EU 1. Awareness of recent EU projects Communication on the EU s initiatives is not equally effective across the UK. At best, EU news reaches one in two citizens. In some cases, it is only heard by one in four. For example, awareness of the European Health Insurance Card is lower today compared to 12 months ago. The British are more knowledgeable about European initiatives affecting their everyday life than they are about the economic or political decisions taken at the EU level. Many UK residents are familiar with recent initiatives undertaken by the EU to improve the lives of its citizens and their environment. The programmes that are known by at least half of UK citizens include the improvements in food safety standards (54% recognition), the European Health Insurance Card (52%), the control of mobile phone roaming charges (50%), and the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide (50%). Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens Improvements in food safety standards 54 The European Health Insurance Card 52 Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad 50 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide 50 Securing energy supplies 3 The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State 2 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents The awareness of the European Health Insurance Card was higher in 200 (5%). On the other hand, in 200, somewhat more people had heard about the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, and the right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State ( and 3 percentage-point increases since 200, respectively). Analytical Report, page

Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens: 200-200 Fl203 / 200 Fl15 / 200 The European Health Insurance Card 52 5 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide 44 50 The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State 23 2 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents page

UK attitudes about the EU 1.1 Increases in food safety standards Across all regions of the UK, more than half of the population have heard of the improvements in food safety standards. The Welsh are significantly more aware of this item (0%) than people in other regions. Just over half of the residents of London are familiar with the new standards. The spread between the highest and lowest levels of awareness by region is not great (a mere % difference). Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens, by region Improvements in food safety standards Wales Eastern South West Northern Ireland North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber UK West Midlands East Midlands South East Scotland London 0 5 5 5 55 55 55 54 54 53 53 53 51 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region Women and citizens over the age of 55 (both at 5% recognition) are more informed about this topic than other sections of the population. The least-informed set is the youngest - the 15-24 year-old age group - and those respondents still in education (both at 4%). Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens Improvements in food safety standards: recognition by sex, age and education UK 54 Male 50 Female 5 15-24 4 25-3 52 40-54 5 55+ 5-15 1-20 20+ 5 55 5 still in education 4 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo Analytical Report, page

1.2 The European Health Insurance Card There are significant variations in the awareness of the European Health Insurance Card across the UK. In the East of England and Wales, significantly more people have heard about it than in the Northern regions Again, more than half of UK respondents have heard about the European Health Insurance Card (52%), though in this instance, a wider gap exists between the best and the least informed. Nearly six out of 10 (5%) residents of the East of England region are aware of the insurance card, the highest rate in the UK. Less than half of the people residing in the North East and the North West (both 44%), have heard of the European Health Insurance Card, representing a percent difference between the best and the least informed. Awareness of recent initiatives that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region The European Health Insurance Card Eastern Wales West Midlands London South East South West UK Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands Scotland Northern Ireland 5 5 54 54 54 54 52 51 51 51 4 North East North West 44 44 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region The awareness of the European Health Insurance Card is highest among women (55%) and those in the 40-54 year-old group (5%), as well as among those with the highest education levels (0%). The demographic group that is the least informed is the youngest, those between 15 and 24 years of age (44%). page 10

UK attitudes about the EU Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and education The European Health Insurance Card UK 52 Male 4 Female 55 15-24 44 25-3 4 40-54 55+ 54 5-15 4 1-20 51 20+ 0 still in education 4 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo Analytical Report, page 11

1.3 Regulation of mobile phone roaming charges Being informed about the regulations concerning mobile phone roaming charges correlates with educational attainment; those with the highest levels are much more likely to be aware of these EU rules. Half of the UK s residents have heard of the regulations enacted by the EU to control mobile phone roaming charges. Those in the East of England are again most aware, as 5% claim to have heard of this programme. Less than half of the residents from several regions know about the regulations, the least informed being in the East Midlands (4%) and the North West (45%). Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad Eastern 5 Wales West Midlands London Northern Ireland South East UK Yorkshire and The Humber Scotland North East South West East Midlands North West 54 52 52 52 51 50 4 4 4 4 4 45 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region page 12

UK attitudes about the EU The age group most likely to have heard of the EU s regulation concerning mobile phone roaming charges is the one with citizens aged between 25 and 3 (55%). Education appears to be the biggest determinant in awareness: graduates are those most likely to be aware of this initiative (5%), while people leaving school before the age of 1 are the least likely to be familiar (3%). This represents a difference of almost 20 percentage points. Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and education Regulation of mobile phone charges for customers travelling abroad UK Male Female 15-24 50 50 50 50 25-3 40-54 53 55 55+ 45-15 3 1-20 52 20+ 5 still in education 4 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo Analytical Report, page 13

1.4 The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide One in two British citizens knows about the Bathing Water report and the Blue Flag guide. People over 40, the Welsh and those from the South West are the most knowledgeable about these issues. Half of the UK residents are familiar with the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, up % from the previous year s survey. Substantial regional differences exist as the proximity to water and bathing cultures vary throughout the UK. Residents of Wales (2%) and the South West (0%) are far more conscious of such programmes than the land-locked Londoners (42%). Other regions, like Scotland (43%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (44%) are equally unaware, despite their proximity to the coast. Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide Wales South West 0 2 Eastern Northern Ireland South East UK North West East Midlands North East West Midlands Yorkshire and The Humber Scotland London 55 54 52 50 50 50 4 4 44 43 42 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region page

UK attitudes about the EU Those with the highest level of education are more aware of these initiatives than others (5%), while those still in education are much less likely to have heard of this (2%) a highly significant difference. Age is also a factor. Only 25% of the 15- to 24-year-olds have heard about the Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide, yet well over half (5%) of those aged 40-54 have knowledge of the programmes. Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and education The Bathing Water report and Blue Flag guide UK Male Female 50 50 4 15-24 2 25-3 45 40-54 55+ 5 5-15 1-20 4 50 20+ 5 still in education 2 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo Analytical Report, page 15

1.5 Securing energy supplies The EU s efforts to secure energy supplies are not apparent to British citizens. All in all, one-third of UK residents have heard about this subject, especially those with a higher level of education. Only 3% of respondents have heard about the EU s efforts to secure energy supplies, which is much less than the previously-mentioned initiatives. A spread of less than 10 percentage points exists between the most informed on this topic, those residing in the South East and Wales (both 41%), and the least informed, the residents of Northern Ireland (34%). Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region Securing energy supplies South East Wales West Midlands North East South West UK East Midlands North West London Yorkshire and The Humber Eastern Scotland Northern Ireland 41 41 40 3 3 3 3 3 3 35 35 35 34 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region page 1

UK attitudes about the EU Education again plays the greatest role in appreciation of this topic. Graduates (43%) are the most aware of the energy supplies initiative; those who are still in education (31%) are the least aware. Awareness also rises with age: the youngest group is the least aware (32%), and the oldest group is the most aware (41%). Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by age, sex and education Securing energy supplies UK Male Female 3 3 3 15-24 32 25-3 40-54 55+ -15 1-20 20+ 3 3 41 3 3 43 still in education 31 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo Analytical Report, page 1

1. The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State This EU initiative is not on the UK s radar. Only slightly more than onequarter of even the better-educated UK citizens know they have the right to vote in another Member State. This EU effort is by far the least well-known throughout the UK, as only 25% of the population claim to have heard of it. Londoners (30%) and residents of Northern Ireland (30%) are the most aware of the measure. The region the least informed is Yorkshire and the Humber (21%). Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by region The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State London Northern Ireland North West West Midlands Scotland UK South West East Midlands Wales North East South East Eastern Yorkshire and The Humber 30 30 2 2 2 2 2 25 25 24 24 23 21 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by region No significant differences related to age, sex or education actually exist. The least familiar group with their rights to vote in other Member States are those who left school before the age of 1 (22%). However, even the most aware group graduates only reach 2%. Awareness of recent efforts that aim to benefit EU citizens: by sex, age and education The right to vote in local and European elections in another Member State UK Male Female 15-24 25-3 40-54 55+ -15 1-20 20+ still in education 2 2 2 25 2 2 2 22 2 2 2 December 200 - January 200 Q1. There are a number of recent efforts that aim to benefit Europeans directly. Have you heard of any of the following? Base: all respondents % by demo page 1

UK attitudes about the EU 2. Awareness of information resources Relatively few British citizens are aware of the main EU information channels The EU offers a variety of resources to provide information about the EU to its citizens; most are housed in traditional bricks and mortar establishments. However, one resource, the EUROPA website, is, of course, on the Internet. Most well-known by UK residents (15%) are the European Public Information Centres (EPICs) housed at local libraries throughout the UK, as well as the EUROPA website itself (%). But with only 15% of the population reporting that they have heard about these two resources, it s fair to say that awareness is low throughout the UK. Even fewer people, almost half as many (%), have heard about the Euro Info Centres (EICs), which supply information on topics such as business law, tax law, and contracts to SMEs, and the European Documentation Centres (EDCs), which distribute relevant EU information to students and academics. Even less well-known are the Europe Direct Centres (%), which can provide answers to a variety of institutional questions about the EU. 1 Awareness of resources and providers of EU information European Public Information Centres (EPICs) 15 The EUROPA website Euro Info Centres (EICs) European Documentation Centres (EDCs) Europe Direct centres December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents 1 http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/information/eu_information_in_the_uk/index_en.htm#1 Analytical Report, page 1

2.1 Regional differences in awareness Although there are some regional differences in the awareness of the EU s information resources all rates are relatively low. The awareness of European Public Information Centres (EPICs) ranges from 12% to 1% across the regions: Respondents in the North East and in the East Midlands know of the centres in the highest numbers (1%), while people in London are least likely to have heard about them (12%). There are no statistically significant differences between the regions that are the most and least aware of the EUROPA website. The Welsh and the Northern Irish are the groups who claim to have heard about the website the most, at 1%, while the regions with the lowest levels of awareness are the North West and the East Midlands at 12%. A regional difference does exist regarding awareness of the Euro Info Centres (EICs). Residents of Wales (12%) have heard about EICs in the greatest numbers. On the other hand, people living in the East of England region and the South East are half as likely (%) to have heard about EICs. In general, few UK residents, only one in 10, have heard about the European Documentation Centres (EDCs). This information resource is the least well known in the South East (5%) and somewhat more prominent in Wales (11%), relative to the other regions. National awareness of Europe Direct Centres is a mere %, and no regional differences exist. Only 5- % of the population have heard about these centres throughout the regions. Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, by region European Public Information Centres The EUROPA website Euro Info Centres European Documentation Centres Europe Direct Centres UK 15 North East 1 10 North West 1 12 Yorkshire and The Humber 1 10 East Midlands 1 12 5 West Midlands 13 Eastern 15 13 5 London 12 10 5 South East 13 13 5 5 South West 13 Wales 1 1 12 11 Scotland 15 5 Northern Ireland 1 1 11 December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents page 20

UK attitudes about the EU 2.2 Comparison to the 200 survey The public awareness of these information resources has not increased in the last year. Compared to the previous survey, the awareness of all of the information resources has decreased by a few percentage points. The largest decrease is for awareness of the EUROPA website, which fell from 21% in 200 to % in the current survey. Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, 200-200 Fl203 / 200 Fl15 / 200 European Public Information Centres (EPICs) 15 1 The EUROPA website 21 Euro Info Centres (EICs) 12 European Documentation Centres (EDCs) December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents Awareness of the EUROPA website decreased the most in London (from 2% to %) and in the East of England (from 24% to 13%), where, previously, about one-quarter of the population had heard of it. Awareness of resources and providers of EU information, by region Fl203 / 200 Fl15 / 200 European Public Information Centres The EUROPA website Euro Info Centres European Documentation Centres UK North East North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands West Midlands Eastern London South East South West Wales Scotland Northern Ireland 15 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 1 1 1 15 1 12 1 13 15 1 1 20 20 1 22 21 21 12 1 1 12 1 13 1 13 24 2 13 21 13 20 1 22 15 22 1 20 12 11 12 10 12 11 11 12 10 10 12 15 12 11 1 10 11 10 11 5 11 December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents Analytical Report, page 21

2.4. Awareness by demographic groupings The awareness of tools such as EPICs and the EUROPA website has reached 20% of the most receptive target groups, those under 25 years of age and those still in the educational system. Communication about the other resources is ineffective across all demographic groups. There are no significant differences between men and women as regards awareness of information resources. EPICs are most recognised by those below 25 years of age (22%) and those still in the education system (1%), than by other groups. It is interesting to note that graduates (11%) are less aware about EPICs than non-graduates (1%). The awareness of the EUROPA website is also the highest among those younger than 25 (1%), graduates (1%) and those still in the education system (22%). As regards the awareness of the rest of the resources there are no differences among the various demographic groups. Awareness of resources and providers of EU information: by age, sex and education European Public Information Centres The EUROPA website Euro Info Centres European Documentation Centres Europe Direct Centres UK Male Female 15-24 25-3 15 13 1 22 13 1 10 11 4 40-54 55+ 12 12 5-15 1 10 1-20 1 12 20+ 11 1 3 still in education 1 22 December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents page 22

UK attitudes about the EU 2.3 Usage of information resources Making information resources known is important because those who are aware of them are the most likely to become users of such services. Among the UK citizens who have already heard about the above information resources, the highest proportion (40%) utilizes the EUROPA website to obtain EU-related information. Half as many people who are aware of, and use, the EUROPA website make use of the EICs (22%) and European Documentation Centres (EDCs, 20%). Among those who are familiar with EPICs, only about one out of every seven people (15%) has subsequently made use of f their services. Since 200, the proportion of UK citizens who have heard of, and used, these information channels has not changed significantly. Network of EU information Heard of Used The EUROPA website.that is the main homepage of the European Institutions. 21 40 3 European Public Information Centres (EPICs). 15 1 15 1 Euro Info Centres (EICs). 12 1 22 European Documentation Centres (EDCs). 20 20 December 200 - January 200 Q2. There is a network of sources- and providers of EU information available to UK citizens. Which of the following have you heard about? Base: all respondents Q. And did you use any of the following to get EU-related information? Base: those who heard about the sources Analytical Report, page 23

2.4 Usage of resources by demographic groups EUROPA Website Use of the various information resources corresponds primarily with the level of education and age. Graduates, and citizens younger than 50, are characteristically the heaviest users of these facilities. Women who have heard of the EUROPA website are much less likely to use it (3%) than their male counterparts (43%). The 40-54 years-old age group is the one most likely to surf the pages of the EUROPA website (4%). The least likely users are those over 55 (25%). As the years spent in the education system increase, so does their usage rates of the EUROPA website. However, those respondents still in the educational system are the ones most likely to use the site (54%). Euro Info Centres Again, males (24%) are more likely to have heard about, and use, EICs, than females (1%). Age is not a factor in EICs utilisation, except for the oldest (over 55) respondents: Roughly one-quarter (23-25%) of UK residents aged 15-54 claim to have used these facilities, however, only 15% of those aged 55+ have ever used the centres. The graduate group is the one most likely to use the EIC services, (2%). European Documentation Centres With the intent of the European Documentation Centres being to disseminate EU information to students and researchers, it is not unexpected to find people with more than 20 years of schooling (31%) to be the largest group of users. Males (25%) are 11 percentage points more likely to have used these Centres than females (%). Though sex does play a role in usage, age is not a determinant until people reach 55 years old, at which point they claim to be slightly less likely to use this service (1% compared to 21-23% for all other age brackets). Europe Direct Centres The range of services and information available at Europe Direct Centres are most often used by people aged 25-3 (2%) and graduates (30%). Several other demographic response rates post percentages that are roughly half of these two groups: non-graduates (1-1%), as well as those aged 15-24 (1%) and 40-54 (11%). Men and women (1% - 1%) are evenly split. European Public Information Centres Regardless of demographic groups, less than two in 10 UK residents, who have heard of EPICs, use their services. No significant differences, based on age, sex or education exist. page 24

UK attitudes about the EU Usage of resources and providers of EU information: by sex, age and education The EUROPA website Euro Info Centres European Documentation Centres Europe Direct Centres European Public Information Centres UK 40 22 20 1 15 Male 43 24 25 1 1 Female 3 1 1 15-24 44 23 22 1 15 25-3 42 25 21 2 40-54 4 23 23 11 1 55+ 25 15 1 21 15-15 22 1 12 1 1 1-20 34 21 1 1 15 20+ 51 2 31 30 1 still in education 54 22 21 1 13 December 200 - January 200 Q. And did you use any of the following to get EU-related information? Base: those who heard about the sources Analytical Report, page 25

3. Stated personal interest about EU or UK affairs Half of British citizens are interested in European events, compared to two out of three people who follow national news. When asked to report their interest level in public affairs, a resounding two-thirds of UK citizens (%) claimed to be interested (either very or fairly interested) in domestic issues, while one-third had no interest. The same question was asked in relation to European affairs, and the results were evenly split. Slightly more than half of the UK population (53%) has an interest in European affairs, whereas just less than half have no interest in this topic (4%). Stated personal interest of domestic and European affairs % interested (very and fairly interested) % not interested (not and not interested at all) Interested Not Interested 33 53 4 Domestic affairs European affairs December 200 - January 200 Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in... Base: all respondents page 2

UK attitudes about the EU A subsequent question looked at the number of UK citizens who were interested in both domestic and European affairs. The results show that nearly half of all British citizens (4%) are interested in both domestic and European issues, while just less than one-third (30%) have no interest in either of these topics. About one-fifth (1%) are only interested in domestic events, and a mere 4% only have an interest in European issues. When the results of the responses to the questions pertaining to European affairs are combined, one can see that somewhat more than half (53%) of British citizens show an interest toward topics that have a European focus. Interest in domestic and European affairs %interested (very and fairly interested) % not interested (not and not interested at all) n ot in terested in an y o f th em, 30 in terested both in do m estic an d Eu ropean affairs, 4 in terested on ly in dom estic affairs, 1 in terested o n ly in Eu ropean affairs, 4 December 200 - January 200 Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in... Base: all respondents Analytical Report, page 2

3.1 Interest in European affairs by region and by demographic grouping Almost 0% of Londoners like to keep in touch with European affairs, making it the regional group with the most interest. Those living in the North East have the least interest in Europe, with slightly less than half (45%) of people in this region reporting an attraction. Interest in domestic and European affairs %interested (very and fairly interested) % not interested (not and not interested at alor DK/NAl) interested in domestic and in European affairs as well interested only in domestic affairs interested only in European affairs not interested in both London South East Northern Ireland Wales South West Scotland Eastern UK West Midlands North West Yorkshire and The Humber East Midlands North East December 200 - January 200 2 2 25 2 2 30 2 30 2 30 3 3 3 15 1 20 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 54 52 51 51 51 51 4 4 4 4 43 42 41 4 4 4 Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in... Base: all respondents 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 5 11 When looking at the demographic breakdown, it is clear that level of education plays the greatest role in determining the interest in European affairs. Among graduates, there is a great level of interest (5%) in European affairs. A much lower level of interest (35%) is shown by those who left school before the age of 1. No significant difference between the sexes is present, and age only plays a role for the youngest group, 15-24 year-olds. All other age brackets show no significant differences amongst each other, but less than half of those aged 15-24 have an interest in European affairs (44%) while all other age groups show more interest (52-5%). page 2

UK attitudes about the EU Interest in domestic and European affairs %interested (very and fairly interested) % not interested (not and not interested at all or DK/NA) interested in domestic and in European affairs as well interested only in domestic affairs interested only in European affairs not interested in both UK 30 1 4 4 Male Female 2 31 1 1 4 4 5 4 11 15-24 43 13 3 25-3 31 1 4 4 40-54 24 1 54 4 55+ 2 21 4 4-15 40 20 35 5 1-20 31 1 4 4 20+ 1 1 2 3 still in education December 200 - January 200 3 13 43 Q3. Would you say you are very interested, fairly interested, not interested, or not at all interested in... Base: all respondents Analytical Report, page 2

3.2 Perception of how British media present the EU Only one-third of British citizens think that the broadcast media (TV and radio) are objective in regard to the EU. The printed press are held in even less regard in this matter. UK citizens were asked their opinions about British media outlets and their portrayal of the EU. Roughly one-third of the British say that the EU is objectively represented by British television (3%) and radio (33%), while slightly less feel that the press (2%) is objective in its reporting on the EU. The number of UK residents who feel that TV and radio depict the EU objectively is matched by the number that believe the media exaggerate by presenting the EU either too negatively (25%, TV; 1%, radio) or too positively (%, TV; 12%, radio). A significantly greater number of people find the press to be too negative (3%) in its representation of the EU in comparison to those saying it is objective, while a much smaller 13% feel that the depiction by the press is too positive. Approximately one-quarter of British citizens are unable to form an opinion about how British television (25%) and press (22%) present the EU; an even greater number four in 10 - (3%) are unsure about radio s portrayal. Perception of the British media (in its treatment of the EU) Too positive Too negative Objective DK/NA Television 25 3 25 Radio 12 1 33 3 Press 13 3 2 22 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents Total % page 30

UK attitudes about the EU 3.3 Opinions of British television by region and demographic groups Opinions on the British TV are controversial. Four out of 10 British citizens believe that this medium is biased in regard to European news, while only three in 10 believe it to be objective. Up to four in 10 British citizens regard their national television channels to be objective in their depiction of the EU, depending on their region. Those in the South West, Wales and Scotland (all 40%), are the ones most likely to find British television to be objective, while residents of the East Midlands (30%) find it to be least so. The latter was the region that had the highest number of residents who had no opinion (33%). British Television, perceptions of its treatment of the EU: by region Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 25 3 25 North East 15 25 33 2 North West Yorkshire and The Humber 12 12 25 23 3 3 2 2 11 East Midlands 13 24 30 33 West Midlands 1 2 34 24 Eastern 1 24 35 2 London 15 2 3 21 South East 13 25 3 2 South West 13 25 40 22 Wales 2 40 1 Scotland 13 22 40 25 Northern Ireland 32 35 20 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by region Analytical Report, page 31

Within demographic groups, the greatest divide among UK residents who feel that British television is objective in its portrayal of the EU is present between those that left school at 15 (2%) and graduates (43%). The latter are also the most likely to say that British television is too negative about the EU (32%); at the same time, those that left school at an early age are the least apt to form an opinion about how British television illustrates EU news (35%). Looking at age and how it affects opinions about objectivity, there is an approximate 10 percentage-point split between the groups with citizens younger than 55 (all between 3% and 41%), and those over that age (2%). British Television: opinions on its treatment of the EU: by sex, age, level of education Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 25 3 25 Male 1 2 3 21 Female 11 23 3 2 11 15-24 1 21 3 23 25-3 13 25 41 22 40-54 13 2 3 21 55+ 2 2 31-15 15 24 2 35 1-20 1 23 3 25 20+ 32 43 1 still in education 24 41 20 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by demo page 32

UK attitudes about the EU 3.4 Opinions of British radio by region and demographic groups Many citizens are not able to form an opinion about whether the EU is presented objectively on the radio. This uncertainty is especially high among those over 50, and those who left school at 15. On the other hand, graduates tend to feel the radio is impartial in this matter. There is far more uncertainty about the depiction of the EU by British radio news services. As examples, nearly half (4%) of citizens in Yorkshire and the Humber and 2% of Welsh residents have no opinion to share about the stances taken by such services. Overall, one-third of British citizens feel that radio is objective with regard to its EU reporting, with those in the North East (2%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (2%) the least likely to agree. The highest numbers reporting that radio is objective come from Wales (3%). A small minority, overall, believes that British radio is biased, i.e. it is either too negative (1%) or too positive (12%). British Radio, perceptions of its treatment of the EU: by region Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 12 1 33 3 North East 13 2 44 North West Yorkshire and The Humber 11 1 13 35 2 40 4 11 East Midlands 11 1 30 43 West Midlands 13 1 31 3 Eastern 10 1 3 3 London 15 1 35 34 South East 10 1 32 3 South West 15 3 34 Wales 1 3 2 Scotland 10 1 30 43 Northern Ireland 13 23 30 35 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by region Analytical Report, page 33

In terms of demographic breakdown, the level of education appears to be the largest determinant, as more than half of the people that left school at 15 (52%) had no opinion on the subject. Those over 55, (4%) are the most likely to lack an opinion, and women (43%) were more likely than men to be in that category. Graduates (45%) seem to find radio to be objective. Nearly four out of 10 of those aged 25-54 (3%) agree that radio is objective. Overall, just slightly more people find radio to be more negative toward the EU (1%) than positive (12%). British radio s treatment of the EU: opinions by sex, age and education Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 12 1 33 3 Male 13 20 33 34 Female 10 33 43 11 15-24 1 1 33 32 25-3 11 1 3 34 40-54 1 3 3 55+ 12 15 25 4-15 13 1 20 52 1-20 13 15 34 3 20+ 20 45 2 still in education 20 35 32 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by demo page 34

UK attitudes about the EU 3.5 Opinions of British press by region and demographics While, in general, a third of British citizens agree that news about the EU is represented too negatively in the printed press, half of the graduate population are of this opinion. A plurality of UK citizens (3%) is of the opinion that news in the print media presents the EU rather negatively, the largest proportion of the three media types included in this survey. Forty-two percent of Welsh citizens agree that the press is too negative, the highest reported level, while the lowest level can be found in the North West at 31%. Conversely, only % (Scotland) and 15% (in the North East, North West and Wales) of British citizens find their press to be too positive on the subject (13% UK wide). Approximately one-quarter of all British citizens regard the printed press to be objective in their EU reporting, and nearly the same amount (22%) are unable to form an opinion about newspapers in this respect. The British press and its treatment of the EU: perceptions by region Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 13 3 2 22 North East 15 3 23 2 North West Yorkshire and The Humber 15 11 31 3 2 25 25 2 11 East Midlands 13 35 23 30 West Midlands 13 40 23 23 Eastern 3 2 20 London 40 2 1 South East 11 3 2 21 South West 13 3 25 23 Wales 15 42 2 1 Scotland 3 34 20 Northern Ireland 40 2 1 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by region Analytical Report, page 35

Opinions about the press differ in regard to respondents levels of education; half of those with the highest levels (52%) believe that the UK press is negatively biased; conversely, barely one-third (2%) of people that left school at 15 years of age agree. The age brackets below the age of 55 show no significant differences in their opinions about the press s negativity. However, the oldest citizens (over 55) are the least likely to agree with the younger ones (31%). Slightly more men (41%) than women (35%) reported that the press is negative in its portrayal of the EU. British press and its treatment of the EU: perceptions by sex, age and education Too positive Too negative Objective Don't know/ Not answered UK 13 3 2 22 Male 41 2 20 Female 12 35 2 25 11 15-24 15 3 2 1 25-3 10 41 2 20 40-54 11 43 2 20 55+ 1 31 2 2-15 1 2 23 31 1-20 35 2 22 20+ 52 2 15 still in education 40 2 20 December 200 - January 200 Q4. Do you think that the British... presents the European Union too positively, or too negatively, or objectively? Base: all respondents % by demo page 3

UK attitudes about the EU 3. Institutions responsible for providing EU information The British government is seen as the body to be held responsible for providing citizens with information about EU issues. A near majority of UK citizens (4%) agree that it should be the responsibility of the British government to keep the populace informed about the EU and its decisions. Nineteen percent feel that it is the responsibility of the media to disseminate this information, and nearly the same proportion (1%) said this is the role of local government. In the opinion of British citizens, EU information centres in the UK, EU institutions, or political parties do not have primary roles in keeping citizens informed (5%, 4%, and 3%, respectively). The same questions were asked of British citizens in 200 and there are no significant changes to report. The British government is favoured by even more people (just up slightly to 4% from 4% in 200), and so too are media outlets (from 15% in 200 to 1% this year). Slightly less people in 200 (5%) than in 200 (10%) feel that EU information centres in the UK should be responsible for keeping the public informed about Europe. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its decisions? 200-200 The British government The local government EU institutions DK/NA Newspapers/television EU information centres in the UK Political parties Fl203 / 200 4 1 1 5 4 3 4 Fl15 / 200 4 15 1 10 5 3 3 December 200 - January 200 Q5. Who do you think should be responsible for keeping you informed about the EU and its decisions? Base: all respondents Total % Analytical Report, page 3