Brexit referendum: First poll since Theresa May's deal reveals UK public want a second vote

Voters have rejected Theresa May’s deal and want another referendum in which they would vote to stay in the European Union, a poll reveals today.

A YouGov survey of 1,153 Britons taken overnight — the first taken after last night’s Cabinet meeting — suggests the Prime Minister’s claim that her terms would “take back control” from the EU has been firmly dismissed by the public.

A majority now want a fresh public vote if the Government deal is voted down, with a choice on the ballot paper to keep Britain’s place in the EU rather than crashing out with no protection, the survey suggests.

Key findings of the poll, which was commissioned by the People’s Vote campaign for a second referendum, show:

Voters have changed their minds about Brexit and would now vote to stay in the EU, with 54 per cent voting Remain, versus 46 per cent Leave. Among Londoners, the margin was an even bigger — 57-43.

Backing for a fresh referendum is the highest recorded so far, with 48 per cent in favour and only 34 per cent against. Excluding don’t knows, the margin is 59-42.

If May’s deal is voted down, that jumps higher to 64-36, excluding don’t knows.

Those who have made up their minds about Mrs May’s deal are overwhelmingly against it, by 63-37.

A clear majority of 75 per cent think Mrs May’s deal fails to match promises made two years ago. Just 12 per cent think Britain is heading for a good deal, while 85 per cent think the process of leaving is “a mess”. Seven in 10 say Brexit-backers gave false promises.

People do not believe Mrs May’s claim, made outside No 10 last night, that her deal will “take back control of our borders, our laws and our money, while protecting jobs”. Just 30 per cent agree while 50 per cent disagree.

Peter Kellner, a past president of YouGov, said: “These results are bad news for Theresa May. Voters believe overwhelmingly that the deal is nothing like what was promised two years ago.

“Other results help to explain this stark verdict. By more than two-to-one, voters say that Brexit is turning into a disaster for businesses, our public services and the future of our young people.”