Those saying the public should have the final say on whether to accept the Brexit deal or remain in the European Union exceeded opponents by 8 percentage points, according to the poll results released on Monday by the group, whose funders include billionaire investor George Soros. Respondents said they would opt to remain in the bloc if given a second referendum.
The survey results pose a dilemma for May, who in December was forced into conceding a vote on her Brexit deal to lawmakers following a rebellion by members of her own Conservative Party. But after previous polls showed there was no appetite for a second referendum on Brexit, she's been able to fend off demands for a new vote amid tricky divorce talks with her EU counterparts.
"The possibility of Brexit is sharpening the British public's minds, and now there is a decisive majority in favor of a final say for the people of our country on the terms of Brexit," said Best for Britain Chief Executive Officer Eloise Todd.
I know if I was living in the UK I would want a second vote. After all the initial question was "Should the UK remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union". That is a very polarising question and the answer from the public was 51.9% in favour which of course means 48.1% did not get what they wanted.
That has resulted in what can generously be described as a fudge. When the question is so black and white and the Party in power has a rather tenuous grip then they have to try and please everyone which is going to result in anything but a conclusive deal. The UK has already conceded on its so-called red lines and could realistically come back with a deal that ensures it is a rule taker from the EU far into the future while also paying into its coffers.
That is before the thorny issue of Northern Ireland is brought up. It is either part of the UK or it isn't. It is either worthy of special treatment which would question the first axiom or it is isn't. The most logical solution is a Hong Kong solution which would be one country but two systems, but again that is a fudge and not what people thought they were voting for. And, of course, Scotland will ask why it is not being afforded the same largesse.
Then there is the problem that many of the politicians now occupying the House of Commons voted to Remain including Theresa May. The government would almost certainly fall if it loses a potential referendum but then the question arises of whether a Hard Brexit should be the democratically approved route or the UK should abandon the initial result entirely. It's going to be an interesting year but the Euro/Pound exchange rate appears to be concluding the UK is going to end up closer to the EU than many are currently willing to countenance.