EU Referendum Conspiracy Theory Believed By Half Of 'Brexit' Supporters, Says YouGov Poll

Vote has been 'fixed' by BBC and MI5 is involved - survey
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A YouGov poll has found Leave supporters deeply distrust the referendum system
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The EU referendum is rigged, has been infiltrated by MI5, and the BBC and ITN are conspiring to fix the result, a poll has showed a lot people are thinking.

An astonishing YouGov poll for LBC reveals the deep distrust of institutions and their handling of Thursday's vote - with Leave supporters notably more suspicious.

Specifically, almost half of those backing 'Brexit' believe it is "probably true" that the outcome is pre-determined.

Leave campaigners have since the outset complained about having to overcome the pro-Europe "Establishment", bemoaning the £9 million mailshot of state-endorsed "facts" and the defection of former Cabinet minister being Sayeeda Warsi being a Downing Street "put up job" among others. 

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YouGov's poll on "some things that people have said about the EU referendum campaign"
YouGov

The most notorious conspiracy that emerged last year - but is taking hold again - has inspired the #usepens hashtag: people on social media who are urging like-minded souls to take a pen to the polling booth in case their vote is rubbed out.

The YouGov poll asked people about "some things that people have said about the EU referendum campaign". Including: 

"It is likely that the EU referendum will be rigged."

Almost half - 46% - of all Leave voters say this is the case, contrast to 11% of those supporting Remain. Regardless of voting preference, 28% subscribe to the "rigged" hypothesis.

"MI5 is working with the UK government to try and stop Britain leaving the EU."

Some 28% of Leave backers suspect pro-EU involvement of the secret services, while 16% of the Remain vote are wary of 'spooks'.

"The BBC and ITN are not commissioning an exit poll in order to allow the vote to be fixed without anyone telling."

Around a third of Leave voters - 36% - back the suggestion that broadcasters are deliberately meddling with the outcome. It's 10% among Remain-ers.

"There are plans for further EU integration and enlargement that the EU are deliberately not announcing till after the referendum."

Three-quarters of Leavers - 75% - are convinced of the plot, compared to 25% who will be voting for 'In'.

The hashtag #UsePens has been deployed to mock those on social media who think conspiracy is afoot.