Brexit voters felt ‘left behind and ignored’

VOTERS who backed Brexit did so because they feel “left behind by economic growth and ignored” by politicians, according to research.

The independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is calling for a drive to tackle poverty in the UK after a poll it commissioned highlighted two main driving forces behind many votes to leave.

The poll of more than 2,000 people conducted by Populus found those who backed Brexit are twice as likely to feel the area where they live does not get its fair share of the UK’s economic success and they have been neglected by politicians.

Meanwhile, Leave voters are also almost twice as likely as Remain voters to hold the opinion that the Government does not listen to their worries and concerns.

They are also more likely to believe wealth is not fairly distributed and they do not benefit from an improving economy.

The findings also illustrate an apparent income divide, with Brexiteers on lower incomes more likely to share those sentiments than those on higher incomes.

However, Brexit voters do feel more optimistic than Remain voters about their family’s future.

The JRF is calling on the Government to take action to address the concerns of those people who feel left behind.

The poll, conducted a week before the EU referendum, shows 90 per cent of people believe the Government should be responsible for reducing poverty, while two-thirds believe poverty has increased over the last 10 years.

Julia Unwin, chief executive of JRF, said: “This clearly shows millions of people up and down the country feel left behind by economic growth and ignored by those elected to serve them.

“We believe Britain will be stronger if we solve poverty, giving everyone regardless of their background the chance to live a decent and secure life. Yet we’re seeing a real sense it’s harder to get on than it used to be and poverty is on the rise.”