Euro poll shows strong resistance

The euro introduction will not change people's minds

The opposition to the UK replacing the pound with the euro remains entrenched among the British people, an NOP survey shows.

Sixty per cent of adults would vote against the UK joining the eurozone, and almost half of the no-voters, or 44%, say nothing would make them change their minds, according to the survey.

"Not only are two thirds opposed; a significant number of them seem certain they will not be changing their minds," said Barclays Capital's chief UK economist, David Hillier.

The greatest opposition to the euro can be found in the South East, the North East and in Scotland, according to the survey which had been commissioned by Barclays' investment banking arm.

The people questioned ranked joining the euro ninth of a list of 12 possible priorities by the government.

Referendum

The report quotes other findings which show that a referendum would only achieve a yes-majority in five or 10 years at the earliest.

The British people prefer Bank of England Governor Sir Edward George to the European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg

Financial markets and investors should build into their models and forecasts the possibility that Britain will remain outside the Euro for far longer than currently expected, Barclays said.

"With a month to go until the introduction of notes and coins on the continent, this poll shows that while the rest of Europe may be [going] full steam ahead, the UK is still some way off joining the Euro," said Mr Hillier.

The introduction of the euro on 1 January 2002 will not have much of an impact on the UK people's views, the survey said.