According to a new survey by British expat network Angloinfo, the vast majority of British expats living in European Union countries will be voting to remain in the union in the forthcoming Brexit referendum on June 23.
The survey, which was conducted among almost 3,000 Europe-based expat members of the Angloinfo network this month, showed that 73 percent of British expats supported the ‘Stay’ campaign. Just 20 percent were in favour of leaving and 7 percent were unsure.
“These results show just how engaged this huge, and often forgotten, audience is in this important decision,” said James Jackson, the chief operating officer of Angloinfo.
“For British citizens living abroad, the issues and outcomes involved in both sides of the EU referendum campaign are taken just as seriously as they are for those living in the UK. Expats with voting rights can become an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ audience, but campaigners on this issue would be wise to remember them and the influence they yield.”
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Economics and security
The results also revealed that 84 percent of ‘Stay’ voters believe remaining in the EU will be better for the UK from an economic standpoint.
Some 70 percent feel the UK is taken more seriously by the rest of the world as part of the EU.
Furthermore, over two thirds of those asked are under the impression that the UK’s national security will be better served by being part of the EU.
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Farewell of fortune
Conversely, 80 percent of the ‘Leave’ voters contend that the main benefit for the UK leaving the EU would be escaping the interference of bureaucrats in Brussels.
Additionally, 71 percent of the EU naysayers think that leaving would permit the UK to command better relationships with other economies, and 68 percent believe that the UK will be better off economically.
There are upwards of 5.5 million British citizens living abroad.
