A decade after the historic 2016 vote, the question of Britain's relationship with Europe remains a defining and divisive issue in UK politics. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarks on a mission to rebuild bridges with Brussels, a new poll for The Mirror reveals a significant shift in public sentiment, with a majority now saying they would vote to rejoin the European Union.
A Decade of Division and a New Direction
This year marks ten years since the nation went to the polls in the EU referendum, a bitterly contested campaign that culminated in a 52% to 48% vote to leave. The aftermath reshaped the political landscape, triggering the resignation of then-Prime Minister David Cameron and dominating the premierships of Theresa May and Boris Johnson as they grappled with the complex task of negotiating a withdrawal agreement.
Now, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the government is pursuing a different path. In a major foreign policy address last year, the Prime Minister acknowledged the legitimacy of the Brexit vote as a "fair, democratic expression" but was sharply critical of its execution. He stated that the way it was "sold and delivered was simply wrong," with "wild promises" made to the public left unfulfilled, the consequences of which are still felt today.
Signs of Thawing Relations and Persistent Rifts
A tangible sign of this diplomatic reset came last month with the announcement that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. This move, set to be operational by 2027, is expected to allow over 100,000 British students to study at European universities, restoring an opportunity lost after Brexit.
However, the issue remains deeply polarising. Calls for closer integration, such as the Liberal Democrats' push for a new customs union and support from figures like Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, are met with immediate accusations of betraying the 2016 result. Brexit architect Nigel Farage has demanded a renegotiation to prevent EU citizens from claiming UK benefits, a move critics warn could provoke a trade war.
Poll Reveals Generational Split on Rejoining
The nation's enduring split is starkly illustrated by an exclusive Mirror poll. It found that if a second referendum were held today, nearly six in ten (58%) of those who would vote would choose to rejoin the EU. This desire is overwhelmingly driven by the young, with a staggering 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds backing a return.
The sentiment reverses with age. Among those aged 55 to 64, a narrow majority (51%) would opt to stay out, a figure that rises to 58% for the over-65s. This generational chasm underscores the long-term political challenge Brexit presents.
As Westminster continues to wrestle with the legacy of the 2016 vote, the debate over Britain's future with Europe is far from settled. The fundamental question remains: should the UK seek to rejoin the EU?
