People's Vote make no 'project fear' promise in bid to get Leave voters support

Second Brexit referendum campaigners are bidding to persuade Leave voters to back a fresh poll because the next one will be different.

Supporters of a so-called People’s Vote are trying to convince those who backed Leave in 2016 their concerns can be tackled by another poll.

Insiders admit “project fear” tactics failed to work three years ago, and have vowed not to repeat the same messages.

A 15-page report by the People’s Vote campaign admits: “We know that a new vote on Europe must be a different kind of campaign to the 2016 referendum.

“It must recognise that many millions of people voted to leave the EU because Britain does not work for them.

“They demanded change.

“In order to succeed, and help heal the divisions that afflict our country, a new vote must convince voters it is a route to a better future for the country, their communities and families.

“The People’s Voice initiative seeks to define a different kind of campaign, by starting a national conversation about the greatest challenges that face the UK and how a new referendum can be part of the solution.”

Officials held public meetings areas that voted heavily to leave, including Sunderland, Grimsby and Birmingham.

Their report claims that “Brexiteers and Remainers found common ground”.

It goes on: “They spoke about inequality and jobs, homes, the NHS and immigration, and found broad agreement on what we need to achieve.

“They agreed they were sick of project fear and fake news, and said that a referendum campaign had to involve people from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially the young.”

Supporters of another referendum claim it doesn’t have to be a huge argument that divides the country. It can be based on facts and respect for each other.”

Pollster Andrew Cooper writes in the report: “The 2016 referendum left a bad taste in the mouth.

“Fake news, project fear and undeliverable promises damaged trust in politics and were a chief cause of the chaotic, never-ending Brexit process to which the nation has since been subjected.”