The xml:space attribute

[Llbe]

This simple attribute can be used to preserve spaces in SVG text. It's supported by Chrome, Firefox, Safari 5.1+, Android Browser, Opera but not IE and not Edge (yet).

More info: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Attribute/xml:space

Demo: https://jsfiddle.net/0330e0x2/1/

[Llbe]

See also https://wpdev.uservoice.com/forums/257854-microsoft-edge-developer/suggestions/9831666-xml-space-attribute

[GPHemsley]

Looks like this is now covered by MDN data:
https://caniuse.com/mdn-svg_attributes_core_xml_space

(via mdn/browser-compat-data#1623)

Though the attribute is marked as deprecated and the data doesn't match OP's claim.