Most Germans want to reclaim some powers from EU, post-Brexit survey finds

Around 62 per cent believe Germany should take back control - but 75 per cent still want to remain in the union

Angela Merkel has it is 'wishful thinking' to suggest Britain will not leave the EU now (AFP) (AFP)

A new poll shows nearly two-thirds of Germans want their government to reclaim some powers from the European Union after the UK voted to leave.

The survey by Emnid for the N24 news channel found 62 per cent of the country’s citizens believe it should reclaim some of its powers, although the overwhelming majority are still in favour of membership.

Three-quarters of those surveyed said they wanted to continue being members of the union - but like Britain. this figure disguises a generational gap.

Some 90 per cent of under 30s said Germany’s membership of the union was positive - compared to just over two-thirds of respondents aged 50 or over.

The poll also found only one third of Germans believe Britain will actually leave the European Union - despite their Chancellor, Angela Merkel, saying the decision is irreversible.

Speaking at the EU summit in Brussels on Wednesday, Ms Merkel said it would be “wishful thinking” to suggest there was any way Britain could remain in the union after 52 per cent of voters backed Brexit.

British politicians are yet to trigger Article 50, which will formally begin negotiations for the country’s withdrawal.

Outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron said it would be up to his successor to formally begin negotiations.

Meanwhile, a top constitutional lawyer said Parliament would need to vote to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act - which ratified the UK joining the EU - in order for the Government to legally withdraw.

The majority of the 649 MPs currently sitting in the House of Commons backed the Remain campaign and Labour backbencher David Lammy has called for the house to reject the referendum result as it was “advisory”.

Similarly, more than four million people have now signed a petition calling for a second referendum.

They say that as a simple majority of votes, the result does not reflect the majority view of the British public because turnout was below 75 per cent.