Little support for May deal

– A majority of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party members oppose her Brexit deal with the European Union (EU), according to a survey published yesterday.

With less than three months until Britain leaves the bloc, May is yet to win parliament’s backing for her deal and the research may dent hopes that pressure from local members over Christmas might persuade Conservative lawmakers to support it.

May postponed a planned December vote on her deal in parliament after admitting it was set to be defeated and is seeking further assurances from EU leaders ahead of a vote now due to take place the week beginning January 14.

The survey of 1 215 Conservative Party members found 59% opposed May’s deal, with 38% in favour.

More than half of members questioned said they did not believe it respected the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Asked how they would vote if another referendum were held to choose between May’s deal or leaving without a deal, just 29% said they would pick May’s agreement, compared to 64% who would opt for no deal.

The survey was conducted from December 17-22 by YouGov for the Party Members Project, a three-year study of membership of the six largest British parties funded by a non-departmental public body, the Economic and Social Research Council. –