A new poll has revealed that 67% of Londoners would vote to rejoin the European Union if a referendum were held tomorrow, with support rising to 85% among adults aged 18 to 34. The survey, conducted by Savanta for the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London, indicates a growing appetite for closer EU ties in the capital.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has been leading calls within the Labour Party for Britain to rejoin the bloc, arguing that Brexit has left the capital's economy £30 billion smaller than if the UK had remained. The findings come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces mounting pressure to deliver on his pledge of 'good growth in every postcode' by building stronger relations with the EU.
Burnham, who has described Brexit as damaging to the UK economy, has stated he does not wish to 're-run' past arguments but hopes to see Britain back in the EU within his lifetime. The poll also found that 52% of Londoners believe Brexit has had a negative impact on the UK, while only 13% view it as positive.
Geographically, support for rejoining is highest in north London at 79%, and lowest in the south and west at 60%. Women are more likely than men to back re-entry (71% vs 63%), and graduates show stronger support (72%) than non-graduates (58%). The survey, conducted online between 30 June and 8 July, involved 1,038 Londoners aged 18 and over.
