The majority of Britons disapprove of the Brexit plan proposed by the UK government, with most saying they would prefer a closer relationship with the EU than suggested in the proposals, a Sky Data poll reveals.

Some 52% disapprove of the proposed deal - known as the Chequers plan after the Prime Minister's residence at which the cabinet agreed to the plan earlier in the summer. Just 18% approve of the deal, while 30% answer don't know.

Former education secretary Justine Greening suggested the Chequers deal was less popular than the poll tax - a flat tax on every person in the country first imposed in 1989, which led to widespread protests and is often cited as a factor leading to Margaret Thatcher being deposed as Prime Minister.

Image: Most Britons disapprove of the Chequers Brexit plan

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In March 1990, at its least popular, according to pollsters MORI the poll tax reached a low of 19% approval - above the Chequers deal albeit within the margin of error - but had a much higher 76% disapproval, with a much lower 5% answering don't know.


Image: David Davis (right) and Boris Johnson resigned their posts as Brexit secretary and foreign secretary after the Chequers deal

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The Chequers deal would see Britain continue to observe EU rules on goods, but decide most of its own rules around services and immigration.

Image: More of those polled wanted closer, rather than looser ties with the EU than the deal allows

A plurality of the British public would prefer closer ties to the EU than proposed in the Chequers plan: 46% want closer ties, 33% want looser ties with the EU than proposed, while 8% think the Chequers deal gets the balance about right.

Sky Data interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,019 Sky customers by SMS on 4 September 2018. Data are weighted to the profile of the population. Sky Data is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

For full Sky Data tables, please click here.