This article was originally published on our UK sister news website PoliticsHome
Older voters in Britain are becoming increasingly Eurosceptic, a new Populus study has shown. The study was commissioned by the Saga group, an organisation that offers services for the over-50s.
The study showed that 93 per cent of over 50s plan to vote in the coming referendum. In the last three months, anti-EU sentiment has risen by three percentage points in just three months. With the result very much in the balance, this group could have a significant impact on the outcome.
The Saga survey - carried out between 15 and 22 December - covered just over 9000 people. Asked how they would vote if an EU referendum were held tomorrow, 43 per cent of respondents said they would vote to leave, an increase from 40 per cent in October. A further 14 per cent said they were uncertain how they would vote, a small decrease from 15 per cent in the previous survey.
The strongest support for remaining part of the EU came from those in their 50s, with 46 per cent in favour. For those in their 70s, this fell to 39 per cent.
The results suggest that support for continuing EU membership is gender neutral (43 per cent men vs. 44 per cent women). However, men are more likely to hold a negative view, with 46 per cent wanting to leave, compared with 38 per cent of women.
There is a marked difference in attitudes according to socioeconomic status. Half of the most affluent sections of those surveyed were in favour of EU membership. However, this declines to just over one quarter amongst the less well-off.
The survey also highlighted geographical differences. Scotland was the most pro-EU, with 58 per cent saying they would vote in favour of remaining EU members. In England, the pro-EU area was London, with 47 per cent wishing to remain.
East Anglia showed the highest anti-Europe sentiment, with 47 per cent wishing to leave the EU. This was followed closely by the East Midlands and north east on 46 per cent. The north west had the highest amount of undecided voters at 17 per cent.
Director of communications at Saga, Paul Green, said; "These survey findings are very important for those campaigning for and against the UK's membership of the European Union. 93 per cent of over 50s are planning to take part in the referendum, compared to just over 76 per cent of those aged 18-49. The outcome of this referendum could be determined by how well the campaign groups make the case to the nation's over-50s."