A significant new poll reveals a dramatic shift in UK public opinion regarding its relationship with the European Union, indicating a profound re-evaluation of the 2016 Brexit decision and a growing desire for closer ties with the bloc.
Conducted by More in Common, the research involving over 2,000 individuals highlights that only 29% of Britons would now vote to leave the EU if a new EU Referendum were held, a stark contrast to the 52% who opted for departure in June 2016. This finding underscores a considerable swing in sentiment, with many seemingly reconsidering the long-term implications of their past vote.
Conversely, the poll indicates that 52% of respondents would now choose to remain within the European Union, with a notable 8% undecided and 11% stating they would not participate. Furthermore, nearly half, 49%, expressed a desire for another referendum on rejoining the bloc within the next five years, while 37% remained opposed, signifying a clear public appetite for revisiting the issue in UK Politics.
This evolving public sentiment emerges as the current Prime Minister has actively sought to mend and strengthen relationships with key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. This diplomatic shift contrasts sharply with the often-antagonistic stance adopted by previous Tory administrations towards European counterparts, perhaps reflecting a broader strategic pivot.
Despite the apparent shift in public mood and the PM’s diplomatic overtures, there remains a palpable lack of enthusiasm within the current government for initiating another EU Referendum. The previous vote consumed years of parliamentary debate and political infighting to enact, leading to a reluctance to reopen such a divisive national debate.
Beyond EU membership, the poll also shed light on public views concerning the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). A strong majority of 58% believe the UK should retain its membership, with only 28% advocating for withdrawal, demonstrating a clear preference for continued adherence to international human rights frameworks.
Luke Tryl, the director of More in Common, commented on these findings, suggesting that with fewer than three in ten now favouring an exit from the European Union and strong support for the ECHR, the era of Europe being a “political bogeyman” might be fading. He posits that politicians may increasingly face pressure to cultivate a more constructive relationship with Europe.
Tryl also highlighted the potential influence of an “erratic Trump presidency” on these attitudes, noting that Britons are divided on whether the Labour leader is being too amiable towards the former US president. This suggests that global geopolitical dynamics, alongside domestic considerations, are shaping the current UK Politics landscape and public views on European relations.
