On the day the European Parliament debates controversial plans to regulate EU ports, a new survey reveals that the majority of adults from across six major European countries prefer their own national governments to be responsible for overseeing the activities of commercial sea ports.

The survey conducted by independent pollster ComRes covered Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland, and shows 66% think that national governments where the ports are based should be responsible for overseeing the activities of commercial sea ports in EU countries, against just 22% who think the European Union should be responsible.

Katharine Peacock, Managing Director of ComRes, said: "A clear majority of people across each of the six countries think that national governments should be responsible for commercial sea ports within their borders, not the EU. Given the widespread importance placed on the contribution of sea ports to national economies, it is notable that despite some variations between countries, there is broad consensus that sea ports should remain the remit of member states rather than Brussels."

The Parliament will vote on the regulation tomorrow, Tuesday 8 March.
Source: ABP (Associaton of British Ports)