EU referendum: Poll suggests rising number of Britons intend to 'vote leave'

New YouGov poll suggests 45% of Brits intend to vote for the UK to leave the EU Credit: PA

A poll suggests 45% of Brits intend to vote for the UK to leave the EU when a referendum is held on the issue, despite proposals for reforming Britain's relationship with the EU.

The YouGov survey carried out for the Times newspaper found support for Brexit has increased in the face of a package of measures negotiated by the prime minister.

Conducted two days after publication of a blueprint deal, the poll found the number of voters wanting to leave had risen by 3% on the previous week.

The YouGov survey found...

Latest blow for David Cameron

The prime minister is fighting for support on a number of fronts, and has faced continued criticism of the deal from some of his own Cabinet members.

David Cameron during a Syria crisis conference in London this week Credit: Toby Melville / PA

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has become the most senior Conservative to suggest he is ready to campaign for Britain to leave.

David Cameron is set to continue meetings with EU leaders before a crunch meeting on the proposals takes place later this month.