South England backs the Single Market

On the eve of Britain's six-month presidency of the EU, a survey reveals that there is widespread British support for the benefits of the single market: the right to work and live anywhere and to buy goods and services without restrictions or excise duty.

People living on the South Coast and Thames Valley are amongst the most enthusiastic about the benefits of living and working within the EU, with over two thirds (71 per cent) saying it is either 'important' or 'very important' for them to have those rights.

The survey conducted by NOP and Pleon, the European communications agency, also found that those most in favour of the economic benefits of the EU tend to be younger and from more affluent social classes. For example, 70 per cent of those aged 25-34 regarded the benefits as 'important' or 'very important', compared to 57 per cent of the over 65s.

The regional breakdown shows the different levels of enthusiasm for the benefits of a single market:

North West - 72 per cent

South Coast and Thames Valley - 71 per cent

Yorkshire - 70 per cent

London - 66 per cent

West Country - 63 per cent

Midlands - 62 per cent

Wales - 59 per cent

North East - 56 per cent

71 per cent of the AB social class are more enthusiastic towards the benefits of the EU, in comparison to 62% for the DE group. And the number of men and women strongly supporting EU economic benefits was roughly the same, at 67% and 65% respectively.

Shepway Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Peter Carrol commented:

"In this part of the country, the benefits of the single market are clear. Overseas travel is easier and goods and services are cheaper. These are real benefits that membership of Europe has brought to us, and they should be welcomed.

"Without the EU, and the Single European Act, we simply would not have such economic benefits."

"There are often times when the leadership of Europe - and we should include ourselves in that - do not get things right. However, its good to remind ourselves occasionally of the enormous benefits that working together as Europe brings us."