Majorities of Britons believe Brexit has been bad for the UK economy and trade, according to new polling for The Independent which offers the first indication that the fallout from leaving the EU’s single market and customs union in January is cutting through with voters.
The polling by Savanta ComRes was conducted before it was confirmed on Friday that a precipitous 40.7 per cent fall in goods sales to the EU in January took place, with experts blaming Brexit for a large chunk of the lost exports.
Figures showed that 39 per cent thought Brexit had so far been bad for trade, against just 18 per cent who said it had been good, while 37 per cent rated it bad for the UK economy, compared to 25 per cent who said its effects have been beneficial.
Boris Johnson, meanwhile, appears to have sparked greater political tensions on a trip to Belfast by refusing to hold talks with Sinn Fein leaders – despite the turmoil caused by Brexit.
Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein deputy first minister, hit back by refusing to join Mr Johnson at a staged photo-op. She said he was ignoring “a long-standing request” to discuss controversies including his “reckless and partisan approach to the Irish protocol”.
Mr Johnson’s official spokesman later refuted such claims, saying Ms O’Neill “was invited to join the PM on the visit”.
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