News / Politics

Majority in UK favor second Brexit referendum: Poll

Tuesday, 18 December 2018 1:22 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 18 December 2018 1:26 AM ]

Anti-Brexit campaigners wave British and European Union flags outside the Houses of Parliament in central London, United Kingdom, on December 17, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

A new survey has revealed that a majority of the British public favor a second Brexit referendum.

The poll conducted by Sky News and released on Monday claimed that 53 percent of respondents answered favorably when asked if they supported a second referendum to determine if they wanted to have Brexit as agreed with the European Union, leave the EU without a deal or to abandon Brexit.

Opposition to a second referendum was reported to be at 36 percent.

The study also claimed that 53 percent of Britons would vote against leaving the EU if a second referendum were to be held. Another 32 percent would vote in favor of a no-deal Brexit.

Only 16 percent of respondents would vote in favor of the currently negotiated deal with the EU.

The survey, however, also revealed that a similar majority, 51 percent, agreed with British Prime Minister Theresa May's argument that holding another Brexit referendum would be insincere and would break faith with the British people.

PressTV-May seeks to quell support for fresh referendum

British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to say that a fresh referendum “would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics."

Head of Sky Data Harry Carr highlighted the seemingly contradictory opinions as part of why public opinion on Brexit is "complicated".

"Most people agree with the prime minister that a new Brexit referendum would be a breach of faith - but given the options available, the majority also still think it is the right thing to do," said Carr.

"Parliament is faced with an electorate that thinks holding a referendum is necessary, but will hold them in contempt if they do so."

On June 23, 2016, Britons voted, with a slight majority, for their country to leave the EU.

However, the vote proved to be very divisive with many still urging the government to consider a second referendum that could allow people to vote for Britain to abandon Brexit.

Last week, May postponed a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, hoping to avoid a probable no vote.

The premier defended the move, saying she would try to address domestic concerns about the current deal's so-called "backstop" clause by negotiating with EU partners.

Many opponents, however, believe May's attempts at strengthening the deal have failed and a new referendum is needed as a probable rejection of her Brexit plans looms in parliament.