Growing Support for Rejoining the EU Among British Voters

Research conducted by Best for Britain indicates a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union, ten years after the Brexit referendum. The study reveals that 53% of British voters now support rejoining the EU, with overwhelming backing from Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (84%), and Green party (82%) supporters. In contrast, only 39% of Conservative voters and 18% of Reform party supporters favor this option. The findings suggest that while 61% of voters approve of the government's current approach to EU relations, only 19% express strong support for it.

The Guardian

Labour's current strategy, which aims to align with but not join the single market, has been described as "muted" and potentially damaging to its support base. Tom Brufatto, director of policy and research at Best for Britain, warns that the party's reluctance to advocate for full EU membership could alienate progressive voters, particularly in "red wall" constituencies. The research highlights the challenges of Labour's low-ambition policy, which may lead to increased rule-taking without any influence over regulatory shaping.

The Guardian

At a recent event in Westminster, polling expert John Curtice criticized Labour's "strategy of silence" on Brexit, suggesting that the party risks losing more liberal voters than it gains from pro-Brexit factions. He noted that Labour has lost approximately one in ten voters to Reform and one in four to the Liberal Democrats and Greens. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock expressed his belief that Brexit has caused significant harm to the UK and predicted that Labour would eventually campaign for rejoining the EU, although he acknowledged he may not live to see it.

The Guardian

Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, pointed out the contradictions in Labour's economic vision, particularly in light of claims that Brexit has cost the UK economy 8% of GDP. He argued that Labour's current approach, which involves aligning trade standards sector by sector, could lead to the UK becoming an increasingly larger rule-taker. This would necessitate constant monitoring to prevent accidental divergence from EU regulations, creating an uncomfortable administrative burden for Westminster.

The Guardian

• “We think that there is inherent risk with halfway houses,” — Tom Brufatto, Director of Policy and Research, Best for Britain

The Guardian

• “Political calculations may have to shift, he said, because the loss of the liberal voter base on issues such as Brexit could be more damaging than the loss to pro-Brexit parties.” — John Curtice, Polling Expert

The Guardian

• “In a purely administrative sense, where we are now is very uncomfortable,” — Anand Menon, Director, UK in a Changing Europe

The Guardian

The evolving public sentiment towards rejoining the EU reflects a growing discontent with the current political landscape and Labour's handling of Brexit. As the party navigates its position, the implications for its voter base and the broader economic landscape remain significant.

The Guardian