Majority think closer EU ties will boost the economy as growth slows

A YouGov poll of almost 5,000 people commissioned by Best for Britain found that while over half (53%) think the closer EU-UK relations would boost the UK economy, only one in ten (13%) thought the opposite.

The findings were included in a report published today by Best for Britain examining public attitudes towards the EU across a range of issues. The study found that the belief that a closer EU- UK relationship would be economically beneficial is even stronger among Labour’s 2024 winning electoral coalition (73%).

Of those who voted for Labour in 2024 but are now considering voting for Reform UK, a majority (53%) can see the economic wisdom in a closer EU-UK relationship, and across all people now considering voting for Reform UK, more people also believe it would do more good for the economy (31%) than harm (23%).

The findings come as the ONS reports that UK economic growth is slowing. Figures released today show GDP grew by 0.2% in the three months to July 2025 down from three-month-on-three-month growths of 0.3% in June 2025, 0.6% in May 2025 and 0.8% in April.

Independent economic research undertaken by Frontier Economics and published by Best for Britain in February projected that, in the context of US tariffs, the UK would be completely shielded and could expect growth of 1.5% by pursuing a policy of closer alignment with the EU across all sectors.

Tom Brufatto, Director  of Policy and Research at  Best for Britain, said: 

“No one seriously argues that Brexit was anything but an economic catastrophe for the UK and there is a growing consensus that breaking down Brexit barriers offers the UK the quickest route back to meaningful growth.

“With both the EU and UK facing great domestic and international challenges, it is in the interests of both to expedite cooperation in the areas set out in the EU-UK summit in May, so that we can begin to realise these economic benefits sooner rather than later.”