Britons unhappy with EU club, in contrast to positive Ireland

BRITAIN has not benefited from European Union membership, according to nearly half the population, a new survey indicated yesterday.

The latest “Eurobarometer” poll showed 49% denying any advantage in membership and only 36% seeing benefits.

The figures contrast starkly with Ireland where, despite hostile reactions to the Lisbon Treaty, 81% said the country had benefited from being in the EU, and only 10% disagreed.