Londoners back remaining in the EU by clear majority, poll shows

More than half plan to vote against leaving, but low turnout by young voters could narrow gap
Londoners backed remain by a clear majority in the poll
Jeremy Selwyn
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London is voting decisively to stay in the European Union, an exclusive poll reveals today.

The capital divides by a clear 57 per cent to 43 per cent against a British exit, the YouGov survey of 1,179 Londoners found. But a low turnout by younger voters could narrow the gap on June 23.

The research came as frantic efforts were being made today to extend the voter registration deadline after the system crashed under the weight of people wanting to take part in the EU referendum.

Half of younger Londoners, aged 18-24, admit they might not bother voting, though they want to stay by an overwhelming three-to-one majority. By contrast, a majority of Londoners aged over 65 want to get out — and almost eight in 10 of them say they will definitely vote.

Women Londoners are particularly strongly pro-EU, dividing 50 to 32 in favour of Remain.

It came despite immigration being placed at the heart of the debate, with UKIP leader Nigel Farage appearing to suggest that staying in the EU made the risk of sexual assaults like those in Cologne on New Year’s Eve more likely in the future.

The research confirms that cosmopolitan London is far more pro-Europe than the UK as a whole, where YouGov polls currently put the referendum battle on a knife-edge.

Among other key findings with just 15 days to go:

Sadiq Khan has overtaken the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and even Bank of England governor Mark Carney as the figure most trusted to tell the truth about the EU.

The new Mayor is trusted by 39 per cent to make accurate claims. Just 18 per cent trust David Cameron or Nigel Farage, 26 per cent trust Mr Johnson, 32 per cent Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and 35 per cent Mr Carney.

Only 29 per cent of Londoners think of themselves strongly as being “Europeans”. A clear majority, 62 per cent, do not.

Just six per cent see themselves primarily as Europeans, while 38 per cent think of themselves mainly as “British” and 21 per cent as “Londoners” most of all.

By a two-to-one margin, Londoners think that EU membership has been good for the capital.

Even among Leave supporters, four in 10 admit that London’s economy would be worse off outside the EU. Almost half of people who want to Remain think they would personally be made worse off by a Brexit.

Six in 10 Londoners say immigration from EU countries is “too high”, including three-quarters of over-fifties. Only 24 per cent think migration from the EU is at the right level.

Londoners are not spooked by Government warnings that security against terrorism would be harmed by a Brexit. Exactly half thought it would make no difference, and just 18 per cent thought there would be greater risks. Some 17 per cent thought London would be safer outside.

Only 17 per cent of Londoners said immigration was their biggest concern. Half think immigration would fall if Britain leaves the EU.

One in five think house prices will be lower if Britain stays in the EU, compared with if we leave.

The poll found that Leave supporters are significantly more likely to vote on the night. Some 79 per cent said they are absolutely certain to vote, compared with 72 per cent of remainers.

It revealed deeply low levels of trust in political leaders to make accurate claims and statements about the EU. Just 18 per cent trust the Prime Minister’s words, while 69 per cent do not.

Jobs and investment in the economy were the biggest issue for Londoners, cited by the third as their most important concern.Anthony Wells, of YouGov, said: “London is the consistently the most pro-European part of England, and will be a key part of the Remain campaign’s hopes.

If the national race remains close on June 23 the Stronger In campaign will need to make sure London’s generally pro-European voters turnout on the day.”

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