A clear majority of British voters would now choose to reverse Brexit and take the UK back into the European Union if given another chance, according to an exclusive new poll. The survey, conducted for The Mirror, reveals a significant shift in public sentiment nearly a decade after the historic 2016 referendum.
Stark Numbers Reveal a Nation Divided by Age
The Deltapoll survey found that 58% of people who would cast a ballot in a second referendum would vote to rejoin the EU. This desire to return to the bloc is not uniform across the population, however, with a dramatic generational split defining the results.
Support is overwhelming among the youngest voters, with 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds backing a return. This contrasts sharply with older generations. Among those aged 55 to 64, opinion is almost evenly split, with 51% preferring to stay out. For the over-65s, a clear majority of 58% wish to remain outside the European Union.
Political and Geographic Splits in Rejoin Sentiment
The poll also exposes clear political divides. Voters for the Conservative Party and Reform UK largely support the status quo, with 66% and 82% respectively wanting to stay out of the EU. In stark contrast, 71% of Labour supporters and 78% of Liberal Democrat voters would opt to rejoin.
Geographically, every region of the UK now favours returning, though the strength of feeling varies. Scotland shows the highest support at 73%, followed by London and Wales, both at 65%. The Midlands (53%) and the North (54%) show the lowest levels of support, yet still record a majority in favour of rejoining.
Political Reality Clashes with Public Mood
These findings land as the UK approaches the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote and amidst ongoing efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reset relations with Brussels. While Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU, stating it was a “red line” in his manifesto, he has signalled openness to “even closer alignment” with the single market.
The government has already taken steps to mend fences, including striking a new trade deal last year and announcing the UK’s return to the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. However, the poll indicates public appetite may be moving faster than political will.
Pressure is building from within the political sphere. Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently broke ranks to voice support for a new customs union with the EU. Meanwhile, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has argued that closer links to Brussels are essential, citing the “unreliable” nature of the US under a potential Donald Trump presidency.
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of the campaign group Best for Britain, said the poll reflected a view that “Brexit has been a failure.” She argued that with global instability, “it’s no surprise the British public want to be back in the club.”
:: The Deltapoll survey interviewed 1,997 British adults online between 16th and 18th December 2025. Data is weighted to be representative of the British adult population.
