People in Newcastle have told ChronicleLive they would welcome an 'honest' discussion about a second EU referendum, with many believing a decade of change means the question deserves another look.
The conversation follows comments from Andy Burnham, who said he will not permit the UK to join EU free movement without a referendum, while expressing hopes for steps towards a more 'functional relationship' with the bloc. Although a second referendum has been promised not to be in the near future, the question has stirred thoughts on whether a new vote would be in the public's interest.
Public views in Newcastle city centre
ChronicleLive spoke to members of the public in Newcastle city centre to gauge whether they would be interested in a second referendum. Julia Perera from Newcastle said: "I'd love a second referendum." Like many others spoken to, Julia believed a lot has changed in the last ten years and that the discussion should be brought to light again. She also appreciated Burnham's stance of 'never moving ahead of the British public when it comes to Brexit'.
Ian Taylor from Gateshead said: "I don't think it's done us much good being out of Europe." Julia echoed this, saying: "I think it's possibly not worked out the way people thought it might."
Support for giving the people a say
Julia added: "I think it's a good attitude to have and if the county still doesn't want it then they'll vote against it and they'll get to have their say." This sentiment was echoed by Michael Ridley-Smith, who said: "I think he's right to give it back to the people."
However, Craig Churchill from Wallsend felt the decision has already been made and that a second referendum would waste the public's time and money. He said: "The people have voted, it's a waste of tax payers money we've already spoken once. I don't really see the point in going through all the rigmarole again."
Calls for closer EU ties
A prevalent theme among those spoken to was that a closer relationship with the EU would benefit everyone, particularly in the current climate. Julia said: "With everything that's happening on the world stage now, maybe we're better off closer to our European partners." Ian echoed this, saying: "I think we're better off together the way the world is at the moment." Craig also agreed, saying: "We should always strive to have closer relationships with neighbouring allies."
The change over the last ten years has opened more conversation and changed views. Michael Ridley-Smith, from Gosforth and a Brexit voter, said: "I think we should have another referendum and in many ways we will be better off having closer ties with Europe, provided we keep our own sovereignty." Paul Digby from Leeds said: "I think he should be discussing it again. I would welcome the opportunity to have further conversations. There's a lot of division anyway so this might help resolve some of those divisions."
Paul acknowledged that the Leave campaign was highly effective in the last referendum, saying: "I think the leave campaign was very good though I strongly disagree with the leave campaign." With ten years of experience and more open discussions, many spoken to thought a more honest and open conversation could benefit the public no matter the result.
While the idea of a second referendum may be a while off, the opportunity to talk and have an honest discussion about the future of the UK's relationship with the EU is something that, at least in Newcastle, would be a welcome discussion.
