EU referendum: Boris Johnson backs Express & Star readers

The poll – the biggest online news survey the Express & Star has ever carried out – saw nearly 8,000 people respond to 10 questions on issues surrounding the historic June 23 referendum.

And eight in 10 of those who took part in the survey said they planned to vote 'leave' in the poll.

• MORE: See the full Express & Star survey results here

• MORE: Local MPs mixed on survey's Brexit result

• MORE: Express & Star Comment: Poll results will set off alarm bells

This marks the first time the people of this country have had a say over Britain's relationship with the EU in more than 40 years.

Boris Johnson – who two thirds of respondents said was the politician most likely to influence their vote – praised readers for taking part in the survey.

The Mayor of London and former E&S reporter, said: "I'm encouraged to see that so many of the Express & Star's readership recognise that the UK has a fantastic future outside the EU.

"Make no mistake a vote to remain isn't a vote for the status quo.

"It's a vote for propelling us towards ever greater political union, where we will surrender ever greater control of our laws, our money and our borders.

"The only safe option is to vote to leave. We are bigger, better and greater than the gloomsters pretend.

"It doesn't sound like Express & Star readers need any encouragement from me given their massive support for a vote to leave – clearly they understand this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seize a brighter future – I hope they take that opportunity."

The survey was backed by leading politicians on both sides of the debate, including Labour's shadow home secretary Andy Burnham and the Tories' Chris Grayling, leader of the House of Commons.

It saw more than six in 10 respondents highlight immigration as the key issue most likely to influence their vote.

While only one in 10 readers thought David Cameron had negotiated a good deal for Britain's future membership of the EU.

The importance of the referendum in the eyes of our readers shone through, with a staggering 96 per cent of respondents indicating they intend to vote on June 23.

Meanwhile, eight in 10 thought trade would improve if Britain leaves the EU, while almost two thirds of readers said Mr Cameron should step down if the vote goes against him after vehemently backing staying in.

And 70 per cent said they thought Britain's security against the threat of terrorism would improve if it leaves the EU.

Only two in 10 respondents said our security was stronger as part of the bloc.

Less than one in five readers said that being part of the EU had benefited the Black Country and Staffordshire.