A significant portion of the population in the UK would support rejoining the European Union if a new Brexit referendum were to take place. According to a recent Deltapoll survey conducted for The Mirror, nearly 58% of potential voters in a hypothetical second referendum indicated they would vote to return to the EU. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger demographics, with over 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds in favor of rejoining. In contrast, older age groups showed varying levels of support for remaining outside the EU.
While Conservative and Reform party supporters lean towards maintaining the current status quo, voters aligned with Labour and the Liberal Democrats overwhelmingly expressed a desire to rejoin the EU. Geographically, every region in the UK showed a preference for reentry into the EU, with Scotland leading at 73% support, followed by London and Wales. Despite varying support levels, even the Midlands and the North showed a preference for rejoining the EU.
Recent efforts by Keir Starmer to mend UK-EU relations have been notable, including securing a trade deal with Brussels and announcing the UK’s return to the Erasmus+ program for student exchanges in Europe. Starmer hinted at the possibility of seeking closer ties with the EU, emphasizing the importance of a strong relationship while ruling out a complete reversal of Brexit.
Various voices, such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, have advocated for closer ties with the EU, citing the changing global landscape and the need for reliable partnerships. Campaign groups like Best for Britain have highlighted the perceived failure of Brexit and the desire among voters to rejoin the EU for stability and cooperation.
Despite these sentiments, the UK government has reiterated its stance on not rejoining the single market or customs union, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a reset relationship with the EU while adhering to specific red lines. The government’s position remains consistent even as discussions on future EU relations continue.