More than five million Britons are considering leaving the UK for good amid growing fears over rising taxes, according to new YouGov polling.
The survey of 2,178 adults found that 11 per cent are thinking about permanent emigration, equivalent to more than five million people.
Fears of a mass emigration have grown in recent years due to issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, wage stagnation, economic uncertainty, immigration and rising taxes.
Analysis of 2024 General Election voting patterns showed sharp differences between groups.
Green Party supporters were the most likely to look abroad, with 18 per cent planning to leave, followed by Reform UK voters at 13 per cent.
By contrast, those who backed the Conservatives demonstrated the lowest inclination to emigrate at just six per cent, while Labour voters showed similarly modest figures at seven per cent.
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The findings suggest that political allegiance may play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards remaining in or departing from Britain.
James Baxter, founder of Tideway Wealth, described the findings as a significant warning for those in government.
More than FIVE MILLION Brits planning to quit the UK because of rising taxes, shock survey says | GETTY
He explained that while the research should be "a wake-up call" to politicians, he was not surprised.
"This is a pretty astonishing result," he said, "but it reflects what we are seeing when talking to clients and prospects, especially in the higher earner category".
He added: "While immigration figures are grabbing the headlines, emigration is clearly on the increase."
A staggering 11 per cent of people were planning to emigrate
| PASeveral high-profile billionaires, including steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and shipping tycoon John Fredriksen, have recently relocated from Britain to Dubai, citing Labour's wealth tax reforms as motivation.
Despite these trends, Mr Baxter cautioned prospective emigrants to thoroughly investigate their intended destinations before making any decisions.
"Those thinking about emigration need to plan carefully before potentially jumping from the frying pan into the fire," he warned.
The expert explained that while the research should be "a wake-up call" to politicians, he was not surprised
| X/KEIR STARMERHe highlighted that Britain offers access to a well-regulated and relatively secure financial services market, unlike many overseas alternatives which tend to be costlier, less regulated and carry greater risks.
Mr Baxter noted his firm has witnessed clients lose substantial sums through poor advice received abroad.
He emphasised that thoughtful financial planning could help offset high tax rates and manage major expenses such as mortgages and education costs.