New polling shows 58 per cent of voters would support Britain rejoining the EU if there was another Brexit referendum, with strong regional and age divides emerging across the country
The UK left the EU on January 31, 2020 (Image: PA)
New polling suggests that if another Brexit referendum were to take place, a majority of voters would support rejoining the European Union. According to a Deltapoll survey for the Mirror, nearly six in 10 people, or 58 percent, would vote to return to the bloc.
This comes as we approach the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Brexit vote later this year.
Young voters overwhelmingly back rejoining
More than eight in 10 individuals aged 18 to 24, or 86 percent, expressed they would vote to rejoin the EU.
The older demographic is more split on the issue. Among those aged 55 to 64, a slim majority of 51 percent backed staying out of the EU compared to 49 percent.
Support for remaining outside the bloc increased to 58 percent among those over 65.
Clear divide along party lines
Conservative and Reform UK voters strongly favour the current Brexit settlement, with 66 percent of Conservative voters and 82 percent of Reform supporters backing staying out of the EU.
On the other hand, Labour and Liberal Democrat voters are decidedly pro-rejoin. Approximately 71 percent of Labour supporters and 78 percent of Lib Dem voters stated they would vote to return to the EU.
Every region backs rejoining
Scotland showed the strongest backing at 73 percent, followed by London and Wales, both at 65 percent.
Support for rejoining the EU was slightly lower in the Midlands at 53 percent and the North at 54 percent, but both regions still favoured rejoining over staying out.
Starmer seeks closer ties but rules out rejoining
Labour leader Keir Starmer has been working to mend relations with European partners following years of Brexit disputes under Conservative governments. He secured a trade deal with Brussels last year and confirmed the UK’s return to the Erasmus+ programme, enabling British students to study in Europe once more.
On Sunday, Mr Starmer expressed willingness for deeper cooperation with the EU and said he would consider even closer alignment with the single market. However, he dismissed calls to completely reverse Brexit.
In an interview with the BBC, he stated that the Government would not rejoin the EU, adding that closer cooperation was clearly outlined in Labour’s manifesto.
Senior Labour figures have started to push further. Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly supported a new customs union with the EU before Christmas.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak also told the Mirror that closer ties with Brussels were crucial, citing concerns about Donald Trump as an unreliable international ally.
Campaigners say Brexit has failed
Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said the polling reflected widespread public disappointment with Brexit.
She stated that voters are increasingly viewing Brexit as unsuccessful, especially given rising global uncertainty and the unpredictable nature of relations with the United States. She emphasised that restoring confidence with Europe would be crucial before any potential future steps towards the customs union, single market or EU membership.
Government holds firm on red lines
Despite the polling data, Downing Street has reiterated that rejoining the single market or customs union is not under consideration.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman confirmed the Government was dedicated to resetting its relationship with the EU, whilst maintaining that its fundamental positions remained unchanged.
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