What a difference the wording can make

A MYSTERY has appeared in recent opinion polls in the United Kingdom. The public appears to have become less hostile to the EU constitution. But is this a real change in opinion? Or does it reflect the particular wording of the question in the Bill being debated by MPs today, and now being asked by pollsters?

The Populus poll for the Times showed 36 percent of people saying "yes" to the question "should the UK approve the treaty establishing a Constitution for the European Union". Only 29 percent replied "no".

But pollsters have said that the words "approve" and "treaty" are positive, pushing people towards a "yes" vote.

Polling company ICM showed the difference the wording can make. When ICM ran a poll with the official question, it resulted in an even 39-39 split. When they asked the question, "If there were a referendum tomorrow, would you vote for Britain to sign up to the European constitution or not?", the "no" camp won by 54-26.

Source: EU Observer, The Times