A report has been published by the government's pollsters, GGC/NOP, which gives recommendations for the pro-euro campaign in a referendum which could be held as early as next year, the Telegraph today reports.

The report finds that the majority of people, 55 per cent, are still against Britain adopting the European single currency, with 41 per cent in favour.

"People have a great deal of uncertainty and, increasingly, see less progress. A majority now think the country is headed in the wrong direction, a malady since the beginning of the year," it says.

"The fact that more than 40 per cent of the country is now prepared to vote 'yes' represents a kind of milestone," it adds.

"We still trail significantly in the euro referendum but now seem in reach for the first time."

Labour backbenchers are calling on ministers to hold the referendum purely by postal ballot, reports the Guardian.