Public want a General Election before talks with the EU begin

Voters are now considering what the country should do next and a clear majority (60 per cent) think there should be a General Election before negotiations begin with the EU, according to the Opinium research.

In contrast, only 6 per cent of the population think the UK economy has improved and just 12 per cent say the country’s position in the world has got better.

In Yorkshire, 52 per cent believe the country’s position in the world has deteriorated, 55 per cent said the economy has got worse and 61 per cent said we should have a General Election.

With the political system plunged into turmoil, 7 per cent of Leave voters say they now regret their decision to back Brexit, compared with just 3 per cent who voted to remain.

A week after the result was announced the effect is already trickling through as more than a fifth (21 per cent) of the population say they are feeling a deterioration in their personal finances.

But they are split on what the negotiating priority should be, with a third (33 per cent) of the UK population saying that immigration controls are their number one issue and 37 per cent saying that staying in the single market should take precedence.

In Yorkshire, the single market takes a clear precedence over immigration with with only 29 per cent saying that immigration controls are their number one issue and 40 per cent said staying in the single market should take precedence.

In a sign of the dilemma facing the next Prime Minister, 43 per cent say it is unlikely the UK can both stay in the single market and limit freedom of movement, in order to control immigration. This rises to 44 per cent in Yorkshire.

The research also highlighted the generational differences that have split the country post referendum. 18 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds didn’t vote compared with just 4 per cent of the over 65’s.

A clear majority of 18 to 34 year olds voted to remain (59 per cent), while an even bigger majority of over 65’s voted to leave (63 per cent).

The poll showed that one in four people have argued with their parents over the outcome of the vote. Among 18 to 34 year olds, 31 per cent have argued with their fathers and 36 per cent have fallen out with their mothers.

Talking about their personal situation, 24 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds said they felt worse post referendum, compared with 15 per cent of over 65 year olds.

Adam Drummond, from Opinium Research, said: “The UK is just as divided post-referendum as it was pre-referendum with voters split on what the UK’s relationship with the EU should be after we leave and what the priority should be in the ensuing negotiations.

“Remain voters want the Government to prioritise staying part of the EU’s single market while Leave voters are keen to end free movement between the UK and the EU and both priorities are likely to be mutually exclusive.”