Business leaders and pro-euro campaigners yesterday called for an early referendum on the single currency, after a poll showed increasing support for it.

"If the economic conditions are right, we would urge the government to end the present uncertainty by calling a referendum and leading the debate so that the British people can make an informed choice," said Lord Marshall, chairman of Britain in Europe.

"No" campaigners claimed that reports of the five economic tests being met would be "fiercely contested", as voters no longer trust politicians.

The GGC/NOP poll leaked yesterday shows that 39 per cent believe that the country is moving in the right direction, compared to 50 per cent who believe otherwise.