Readers of two neighbouring North West dailies say they would no longer back leaving the European Union following fresh polls run by the newspapers.
Both the Bolton News and the Wigan Post surveyed their readers on the issue in the run up today’s triggering of Article 50, which will allow formal negotiations between the United Kingdom and the EU to begin over the country’s exit from the organisation.
The Post’s poll received 2,759 votes with 75pc opting for remain.
In contrast, last year’s referendum results for Wigan borough saw 63.9pc in favour of leave and 36.1pc in favour of remain on a turnout of 163,273 (69.2 per cent).
The Post splashed on the poll’s result this morning as officials prepared to deliver the letter starting the Article 50 process to Brussels, after Prime Minister Theresa May signed it last night.
Editor Janet Wilson said: “Although our results may not represent a complete turning of the tide in terms of support for Brexit they show the initial wave of optimism has been replaced with a sober reality of an uncertain future.
“We decided, as Article 50 is triggered, our front page should reflect the apparent change of heart by our readers.”
In Bolton, 58pc of the electorate backed leaving the EU on 23 June last year. However, the latest survey by the News shows 54pc of the 1,083 readers who voted online would opt to stay if asked now.
However, a similar poll by the nearby Lancashire Telegraph, in Blackburn, revealed 38pc out of 577 readers surveyed would now choose to stay in Europe, with 61pc voting to leave.
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While the reliability of such polls can be questioned, it’s hard to avoid some smugness at the fact that the numpties have finally twigged their stroppy display (talk about throwing their pies out of the pram) is about to backfire in spectacular fashion.
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Does it not occur to the (Pro-Remain?) editors of these two titles that many, if not all, of the relatively small number of readers who took part may well have been Remain supporters and are simply trying to undermine the democratic vote of this country by claiming to have changed their mind. This just smacks of the Clegg, Blair, Campbell conspiracy to have the will of the people overturned. So you know where to shove the result of your poll!
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Clearly the trillions of ardent Leave supporters in the region had their hands nailed to their desks, in a massive conspiracy by evil conspirators to stop them taking part. The Will of The People (TM) trembles at this assault by evil Remain conspirators.
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What a pointless article. Are we going to get this every six months?
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The over-the-top comment by Ex-regional journo reflects the fear among the most rabid Brixiteers that the result of the referendum of June last year may not be so valid now and that “the people” have dared to reconsider their “will’.
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