British people believe securing access to the single market should be a higher priority than immigration control, according to the latest poll by Ipsos MORI.
The survey shows 39 percent of Britons believe securing borders and controlling immigration should be the biggest priority once Brexit talks get underway. However, 45 percent believe talks should centre around retaining access to the single market, including passporting for banks based in the city of London.
The survey also showed a clear age difference in the results; 55 percent of 18-34 year olds favouring access to the single market, against 24 percent who favour immigration control. However, just 32 percent of those aged 55 plus would prioritise the single market, with 50 percent of supporting immigration control as the biggest issue.
Europe speaks out on Brexit
Several prominent figures within the EU have given their position on Brexit negotiations today, with French president Francois Hollande making it clear he favours a hardline approach.
“I have said it very clearly; Madame Theresa May wants a hard Brexit, then talks will be hard too”, he said as he arrived at the EU summit in Brussels.
The president of the EU Council, Donald Tusk, has insisted that discussion of future relations between the UK and the EU was not on the agenda for the EU Summit, but gave May a chance to talk about the “current state of the country” off-timetable.
Martin Schulz, president of the European parliament, also tweeted today reaffirming his opposition to the EU starting Brexit negotiations before Article 50 is invoked.
There will be no pre-negotiations before Art50 is invoked. Once #UK gov decides what relationship it seeks, EU will be ready to act #EUCO
— EP President (@EP_President) October 20, 2016
4 freedoms go together. What alienates so many people from EU is feeling that capital, goods & services have more value than people #EUCO
— EP President (@EP_President) October 20, 2016