A new opinion poll has claimed that over half the population are in favour of leaving the EU as soon as possible.

The MORI survey carried out on behalf of the British Democracy Campaign found that 52 per cent were in favour of leaving the EU right now.

Of the 1,800 surveyed, 71 per cent wanted a referendum on Britain's continued membership of the EU and 75 per cent believed the British people have not been given enough information about the arguments for or against membership.

Yorkshire businessman and Euro-sceptic campaigner Paul Sykes claimed the survey was decisive.

"The people have spoken. They clearly want a say on the future of our involvement in the EU. Over half the electorate, that's 23 million people, have never had a say on this issue and neither of the two main political parties are even acknowledging this," he said.

Labour MP Bill Rammell, who is a leading pro-Europe campaigner, disputed the survey's findings.

"The idea that the majority of people want to leave Europe is simply wrong. Every other poll that I have seen shows a large majority in favour of remaining as a part of Europe. People do have concerns; they do want reform and are generally cautious over the issue. I do agree, however, that people aren't being given enough information," he said.

Simon Buckby, campaign director of Britain in Europe, said leaving Europe would be an economic disaster.

"Three million jobs depend on relations with Europe. Undoing our links would only make Britain and the British people poorer," he said.