Brexit vote 'on a knife-edge'
THE UK’s continued membership of the European Union is on a knife-edge, as just 1% separates the two camps in the run-in to the referendum, according to an online poll.
Less than two months ahead of the crucial vote, 42% of those questioned said they will vote to remain part of the EU - an increase of 3% on a poll taken four weeks earlier, compared to 41% who said they are in favour of a Brexit - down 2% compared to the earlier study.
The number of undecided voters is down from 18% to 14%, according to the Opinium poll published in today’s Observernewspaper.
Conservative voters are more divided over EU membership, with 45% backing Leave and 43% Remain, compared to Labour supporters - 59% want to stay in the EU, while 28% said they will vote for a Brexit.
Recent warnings on the possible economic dangers of a Leave vote issued by the IMF, OECD, the Treasury and US President Barack Obama appear to be behind the swing. A total 38% of those questioned believe the UK’s economy would fare better if it remains part of the EU, compared to 29% who said the opposite.
Nearly four in 10 believe a Brexit would have little effect on their household finances, while 23% thought it would make them worse off and 21% better off.
A total 39% of respondents believe that being a member of the EU enhances the UK’s global influence compared to 18%, who thought it hindered Britain’s influence.
Earlier this month, a TNS poll found that 59% of French voters want Britain to remain part of the European Union.
The Opinium online survey questioned a representative sample of 2,005 adults in the UK.
