More people want 'Brexit' according to new poll

Public opinion is shifting on Britain leaving the EU, with the latest YouGov poll for The Times showing 40% backing a “Brexit” and only 38% opting to stay in.

The last time the “leave” campaign was in front was November last year. In June, the “stay” campaign had a 10-point lead, but more people have swung towards leaving the EU after a summer dominated by the refugee crisis.

Six percent of respondents said they wouldn’t vote, but 16% were still undecided.

It followed news that David Cameron had to bow to internal pressure last week and backed down on a pledge to suspend 'purdah' rules.

The rules force ministers to remain neutral in the four weeks before a referendum or election, and means they can't make announcements in their official capacity as a minister to help a candidate, party or position.

David Cameron wanted to suspend these rules, which would have allowed members of the government to publicly campaign to keep Britain in the EU.

The Times reported most Tory members want the prime minister to lead the “leave” campaign or remain neutral.

Labour is also divided over the issues, with Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell supporting those who want to make protecting workers’ rights a condition of the party’s backing for the EU.

Shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn and Labour deputy leader Tom Watson helped fight off moves to require the party to adopt a neutral position like the Conservatives in the forthcoming referendum, according to The Times.

The referendum is planned to take place by the end of 2017.