A new poll for the Taxpayers' Alliance has found two-thirds want Britain to lessen connections to 'bureaucratic and meddling' EU.

Almost two-thirds of voters want Britain to have either looser ties with the European Union or sever them altogether, according to a poll published today.

The YouGov survey for the TaxPayers' Alliance and Global Vision found that only 22% of people favour Britain's current relationship with Brussels.

Some 48% want looser ties, and a further 16% want the UK to withdraw completely from the EU.

A large majority, 64%, remain opposed to Britain joining the euro, compared to 24% who want to enter the European single currency.

Ruth Lea, director of Global Vision, which campaigns for a relationship with the EU based on trade rather than political ties, said: "The current situation is simply unacceptable.

"The EU costs British people billions, and controls far too many of our national policies.

"The people want a new deal, where we can trade and cooperate with Europe but not suffer all the tax, bureaucracy and meddling that comes with full EU membership."

YouGov surveyed 2,157 adults between January 6 and 8.