A NEW poll suggests that a majority in the UK would choose remaining in the UK over a hard Brexit.

A recent YouGov poll asked respondants to choose between Remain, Soft Brexit and Hard Brexit.

The data revealed that 50% back remaining in the EU, 17% want to leave with a deal in place, and 33% support a hard Brexit.

However, when the option to leave with a deal was eliminated, and votes were redistributed according to second preferences, the final outcome showed that 55% backed remaining in the UK compared to 45% who chose a hard Brexit akin to what hard-line Brexiteers in the Conservative party want.

A three-way referendum result, based on first and second preferences, could see Brexit-backers choosing to remain in the EU rather than face leaving without a deal in place.

The concept of a three-way referendum was originally suggested by former Cabinet minister Justine Greening, though only 36% are in favour of holding one.

However support for a binary second referendum has grown recently to 40%, the highest level of support yet recorded by YouGov.

Meanwhile 42% are opposed to a second EU referendum.

Interestingly, when asked whether or not people thought it was right to have voted to leave the EU, 47% said that it was not. Only 42% believe the UK made the right decision.

Theresa May's spokesperson recently reiterated: "There is not going to be a second referendum under any circumstances."