UK apathy deepens on Euro vote

Chris Morris BBC Europe correspondent in Brussels

Only 18% of eligible British voters will definitely vote in this year's European elections on 10 June, a new survey suggests.

And asked if they considered Europe or the EU to be an important issue for the country, only 9% answered "yes".

20% of people believe that MEPs legislated for 'straight bananas'

The survey, commissioned by the UK office of the European Parliament, questioned more than 2,000 people.

At the last European elections in 1999 turnout in the UK was 24%, the lowest in the European Union.

This survey makes it clear that politicians will have an uphill struggle to raise that level of participation.

The UK office of the European Parliament is trying to raise awareness about the elections and it has been given some good news.

1999 European elections turnout Highest Belgium - 90% Luxembourg - 85.8 % Italy - 70.8% Greece - 70.2% Lowest Sweden - 38.3% Finland - 30.1% Netherlands - 29.9% UK - 24% Average - 49.9% Source: European Parliament

The survey shows large majorities of voters are concerned about issues over which the European Parliament has real influence, such as working hours, animal welfare and protecting the environment.

But there are many misunderstandings as well.

One in five people questioned think the European Parliament has power over the amount of income tax they pay.

The same number believe that European legislation says all bananas sold in Britain must be straight.