The public strongly prefers the Liberal Democrats' call for a referendum on membership of the European Union, rather than the Conservative proposal for a referendum only on the Lisbon Treaty, according to an opinion survey carried out by Ipsos MORI.

38 per cent of the poll favoured a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU altogether, compared to 18 per cent favouring a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty only. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP says:

"This opinion poll clearly shows that the Liberal Democrats are the only political party on the side of the British public on the European referendum. It shows that people understand the huge difference between an honest debate about our future in Europe, and David Cameron's mealy-mouthed support for a restrictive referendum on the specific details of the Lisbon Treaty.

The Liberal Democrats would relish the opportunity to put the case to the British people for our wholehearted commitment to the EU."

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