A decade after the historic Brexit referendum, a majority of British voters now believe leaving the European Union was a mistake and support rejoining the bloc, according to recent polling. YouGov data shows 57% of Brits think Brexit was wrong, while 55% want to return to the EU. Among Leave voters, a quarter now consider the decision a failure.
Political Leaders Dismiss Rejoining Debate
Despite shifting public opinion, ministers maintain they have no intention of reopening the membership debate. PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham has downplayed the possibility of reversing Brexit, warning it would leave the UK in a 'permanent rut' by rehashing old arguments. EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds called rejoining an 'unrealistic mirage,' stating: 'We live in a post-Brexit world, and it's time people started acting like it.'
Young Voters Overwhelmingly Pro-EU
Support for rejoining is particularly strong among younger generations. A More in Common poll found that 60% of Gen Z voters (aged 18-28) would vote to rejoin if given the chance. An exclusive Mirror poll earlier this month revealed that among those who would vote in a second Brexit referendum, 58% would support rejoining. Support peaks at 86% among 18-24-year-olds, while older groups lean towards staying out: 51% of 55-64-year-olds and 58% of over-65s oppose rejoining.
Demographic Shifts and Brexit Legacy
According to Office for National Statistics data published by the Financial Times, about 15% of Leave voters have died in the past decade, compared to 10% of Remain voters. This demographic change may partly explain the shift in opinion. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a potential Chancellor under Burnham, argued for closer EU ties: 'It's left us less wealthy, less powerful and less in control than at any point before the industrial revolution. Britain's future lies with Europe, and one day, back in the European Union.'
Burnham's Cautious Stance
In response, Burnham reiterated his position: 'My view is that Brexit has been damaging, but I also believe the last thing we should do right now is rerun those arguments. Britain will be stuck in a permanent rut if we're just constantly arguing and people are pulling away from each other.' The debate continues as Labour faces internal divisions over the EU issue.
