调查：仅三分之一英国人赞成英国留在欧盟_BEC初级作文

调查：仅三分之一英国人赞成英国留在欧盟

Cameron's pledge to win back powers and hold a vote by the end of 2017 upset France and Germany and was criticized by the United States, which wants Britain to hold on to its membership.

The last time Britain held a vote on staying in Europe was in a 1975 referendum when the "Yes" campaign came from behind to win by a wide margin, with 67.2 percent in favor of European membership and 32.8 percent against.

That result failed to take the sting out of an issue that has divided the main British parties for years and helped to bring down two of Cameron's predecessors, Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

Cameron said in January he would campaign for Britain to remain in the EU "with all my heart and soul", as long as he repatriates powers. That would set him against "Eurosceptics" in his Conservatives and the many voters who see the EU as a threat to their sovereignty.

However, The Harris poll suggested Cameron could still win round many doubters.

Twelve percent of those planning to vote to leave the EU said they would definitely change their minds if Cameron clawed back powers. Another 47 percent would "possibly" rethink their opposition.

As in 1975, the "Yes" campaign would be well funded by business leaders warning of the economic dangers of Britain walking away from a single market of 500 million people.

Cameron would also have the support of the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, his junior coalition government partner, and the main opposition Labour Party, which supports Britain's membership.