More than half of British voters now support rejoining the European Union, a decade after the Brexit referendum, according to new research by Best for Britain. The poll found that 53% of all voters favour full EU membership, with support rising to over 80% among Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green party supporters.
The research, which tested six scenarios for UK-EU relations, reveals that only 19% of voters “strongly” back the government’s current approach. Experts warn that Labour’s “muted” strategy risks alienating progressive voters and those in “red wall” constituencies. Tom Brufatto, director of policy and research at Best for Britain, described the party’s stance as a “halfway house” approach that carries inherent risks.
Labour’s policy of aligning with the single market without formally joining it means the UK has no say in shaping regulations, effectively becoming a rule-taker. Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, noted that this position is economically unsustainable, given that Brexit has cost the economy up to 8% of GDP, while the government’s reset offers only 1% growth.
Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock expressed confidence that the party would eventually campaign for rejoining, though he acknowledged it may not happen in his lifetime. “The realisation, in the self-interest of the people, people will see it,” he said. Polling expert John Curtice criticised Labour’s “strategy of silence” on Brexit, warning that losing liberal voters could be more damaging than defections to pro-Brexit parties.
