Why do Londoners shun Euro-poll while caring about EU issues?

12.00.00am GMT Mon 2nd Feb 2004

A Mori poll released today reveals that just 13 per cent of Londoners are certain to vote in the European elections on 10 June this year. The poll suggests however that Londoners do care about issues over which the European Parliament has power, and they know quite a lot about how Euro-MPs can affect decisions.

Commenting on the poll, London's LibDem Euro-MP, Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"At the last European election in 1999, 90% of Belgian voters exercised their democratic right, as did 70% of Italians and Greeks. Meanwhile the voice of Londoners was unusually quiet, with less than a quarter bothering to turn out."

"But this poll shows Londoners do care about issues where Europe and Euro-MPs are active, such as animal welfare, environmental protection and sound immigration policies, and we also know that resolving international conflicts is a major concern. Many are aware that Euro-legislation is responsible for consumer reforms like food labelling, for employee rights and clean beaches."

"So MEPs and others have a challenge to make Londoners connect the topics they care about with the Euro-ballot. We must not let others speak for us and reach decisions that may not suit us. I urge the residents of Europe's premier city to make their voice heard!"

Note

• The poll does not allow for the effect of the European elections being held on the same day as the Mayoral and GLA elections

• Key findings:

4 out of every 5 Londoners are concerned about how animals are treated, especially when they are being transported

Nearly 4 out of every 5 Londoners feel having regulations limiting the number of hours people work each week is important to them personally

Nearly 9 out of every 10 Londoners feel how the environment is protected is important to them