Voters and MEPs 'opposites over EU'

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The vast majority of Britons want a referendum to decide further expansion of EU powers.

They do not want the euro, and they think governments should break the Brussels rules when euro-legislation is against the national interest.

But only half of MEPs - of all nationalities - want a referendum, while more than half think every member state should adopt the euro. And less than a quarter of MEPs think it acceptable for nation states to ignore EU rules when it suits them.

The Taxpayers' Alliance/ComRes poll comes just two days before the UK votes in the euro elections. Voting in the 27 member states spans four days, with results likely late on Sunday.

The latest survey shows 88% in the UK want a say on any expansion of current EU powers, compared with only 50% of Europe's directly-elected representatives.

Only 28% of the population backs UK entry adoption of the euro, but 55% of MEPs say every member state should join the euro.

Nearly three-quarters - 72% - of UK voters think protection of the national interest would justify flouting EU rules, compared with only 23% of MEPs.

The head of the Taxpayers' Alliance, Matthew Elliott, commented: "These rules show the stark difference in opinion between the British people and politicians in Brussels. Whilst many MEPs think the EU is great for everyone, Britain should join the euro and that EU rules are sacrosanct, the British people are heading in the opposite direction."

He added: "People want more referenda, more national disobedience to daft rules, and a sound rejection of the euro. Brussels is utterly out of touch with the concerns of the real world".