Five reasons Leave is gaining ground in Brexit battle

Despite recent polls showing a narrow lead for the Leave side ahead of the forthcoming referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, poll averages, bookmaker’s odds and conventional wisdom all still predict a Remain victory when voters go to the polls on June 23rd. But the gap has narrowed significantly.

London editor Denis Staunton outlines some of the possible reasons for the Leave side's gains on this week's World View podcast.

He discusses the impact of the Leave campaign’s tactics, and how its latest strategy of blaming overstretched public services on the UK’s high numbers of migrants seems to be resonating with voters.

He also examines the role of British prime minister David Cameron.

Mr Cameron was seen as one of the Remain side’s major strengths at the start of the campaign.

However, recent polls have indicated the public now finds him less trustworthy than campaign and party rival Boris Johnson on Europe.

Labour’s position

The podcast will also look at Labour’s position.

The Remain side fears Labour voters see the campaign as a factional battle within the Conservative Party that has little to do with them.

Meanwhile, Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s support for the Remain side is grudging.

As 47 per cent of Remain voters are Labour voters, their turnout on the day will be crucial.

If they reflect Corbyn’s enthusiasm on polling day, Leave will have an advantage.

The Brexit debate has seemingly crystallised into a simple argument: win control of migration but lose access to the free market, or continue to welcome high numbers of migrants while retaining the economic status quo.

The podcast will discuss the concerns of the Remain campaigners, who worry the migration issue is gaining more traction in the closing weeks of the campaign.