A new poll has revealed that a majority of Britons would now vote to rejoin the European Union, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pushes for closer ties with Brussels. The survey, conducted by Deltapoll for the Daily Mirror, found that 59% of respondents would support rejoining the EU in a new referendum.
The findings come as Sir Keir Starmer begins negotiations to join the EU’s £78 billion loan scheme for Ukraine, a move that underscores his government’s wider reset of relations with the bloc. The Prime Minister has stressed the importance of European unity amid tensions with the United States, warning that some alliances are “not in the place we would want them to be.”
Speaking at the European Political Summit, Sir Keir said Europe must “step up” on defence and security, echoing a call often made by US President Donald Trump. However, he also acknowledged the need to address strains in transatlantic ties, particularly over Ukraine and Iran.
If the UK joins the EU loan scheme, British firms would be able to bid for major defence contracts. Sir Keir argued that the benefits would “outweigh the cost” for Britain, creating jobs and strengthening national security. Meanwhile, reports suggest the EU may ask the UK to contribute £1 billion a year for further access to the single market.
The Deltapoll survey interviewed 3,353 British adults online between 26 April and 1 May 2026, with data weighted to be representative of the population. The results mark a significant shift in public opinion since the 2016 Brexit referendum.
