Most Britons would currently vote to leave the EU

Most Britons would currently vote to leave the European Union, mainly due to fear of immigration, a public opinion poll showed, indicating a change in trend ahead of the referendum on Britain's remaining in the Union, reports the Patria News Agency.

A survey conducted for the Mail on Sunday newspaper showed that 51 percent of respondents are in favor of leaving the EU, and 49 percent want to remain in the bloc. Earlier surveys conducted in June and early July showed that support for remaining in the EU was at 54 percent and for leaving at 45 percent.

The new survey also found the existence of a "significant minority" of voters who say they will change their minds if the refugee crisis in Europe worsens.

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to renegotiate the terms of Britain's EU membership ahead of a referendum that should be held by the end of 2017.

Some media recently wrote that the referendum is expected to be held as early as the summer of next year, writes Index.