A new study has revealed that 75% of Spaniards would like the UK to rejoin the EU. The poll, conducted by The Olive Press, found that the majority of those asked, ranging in age from 18 to 65, were in favour of Britain rejoining the union 10 years after it voted to leave.
Age Breakdown of Support
69% of those aged 18 to 30 were in favour whilst all of those aged 50-65 said they would support the UK being readmitted to the bloc. Younger supporters most commonly said rejoining the EU would make travel to Britain easier. Many argued that Brexit had introduced needless bureaucracy and paperwork, and believed renewed membership would reduce visa requirements and other travel formalities.
Reasons for and Against
Others pointed to the wider opportunities it could create for studying and working in the UK. Among younger opponents, some simply said they did not want Britain to rejoin, while others maintained that the UK was better off remaining outside the bloc. Older members of the study pointed to issues centred on wider political and economic issues, such as European unity, cooperation and shared values rather than travel.
Study Details
The study saw 37 people asked from the Olive Press’s personal and professional network, predominately from Andalucia and Madrid. The study comes as a UK-EU summit scheduled for today was rearranged following the turmoil of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.
Speaking in the wake of Mr Starmer’s announcement, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said “our relations with the UK are and will remain strong”. She said: “On the question of the EU-UK summit, against the announcement this morning of the resignation by Prime Minister Starmer, we are reassessing with (European Council) president (Antonio) Costa and the UK the opportunity of still holding the summit as had been announced last week and we will take if from here.”
Mr Costa suggested the meeting would be pushed back. He said: “Now for sure we need to postpone it, but we are reassessing the opportunity of this new summit. But my wish is that his successor could give continuity on this good path to reset our relationship with the United Kingdom.”
Burnham's Engagement with EU
Mr Burnham spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen following his appointment as Prime Minister on Monday. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister thanked the President for her warm congratulations, adding that he was looking forward to working closely with President von der Leyen and her team. Building a closer and ambitious relationship was key to delivery in both the UK and Europe, the Prime Minister added. The leaders agreed their teams should work closely towards a UK-EU Summit later in the year."
