Students 'back Britain staying in the EU'

Students overwhelmingly support Britain staying in the EU, a new poll shows.

More than three in four of them, 76%, back the Remain campaign, with just 14% in favour of Brexit, according to an NUS survey.

The results come as the NUS launches its "We Want IN" drive to ensure young people turn-out to vote in favour of the EU at the June 23 referendum.

The poll highlights a major age divide between the pro-and-anti EU membership camps, with older voters leaning more towards Brexit.

The survey of 1,000 students by YouthSight found fears over job losses and price rises if Britain quits the EU was rallying support for the Remain camp.

With concern on the Remain side that younger people were less inclined to turn out and vote, NUS national president Megan Dunn said a mass registration effort was needed.

"We must make sure the student voice is too powerful to be ignored in this referendum. We travel, work, and study abroad to a greater degree than previous generations while politically we are involved in pushing for innovation in climate change, international development and global justice.

"The EU advances and protects the values that Britain's young people believe in and is a force for tolerance and respect," Ms Dunn said.

Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary, said: "Britain's students face huge debts, expensive housing and an uncertain future in our insecure labour market. It's crucial they make their voices heard during the EU referendum, when jobs, growth and rights at work will be at stake.

"The latter may not matter much to the likes of Nigel Farage, but if you're working in a bar or supermarket on low pay while you're studying, those rights are worth voting for."