LONDON: A recent nationwide poll indicates that the British public would vote decisively to rejoin the European Union if a new referendum were held.
According to the YouGov survey, conducted over eight years after the UK’s Brexit vote, 59% of respondents support rejoining the EU, while 41% oppose it.
The poll also reveals a strong desire for closer ties between the UK and the EU. However, it suggests that voters do not believe the newly elected Labour government has a mandate to pursue full EU membership.
Keir Starmer, the Labour Prime Minister, has repeatedly stated that his government will not seek to rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union. He has indicated that such a move will not occur during his tenure.
The YouGov survey shows that 51% of voters believe Labour’s landslide election victory does not grant Starmer a mandate to rejoin the EU, while only 21% feel it does. However, there is significant support for a closer relationship with the EU without full membership, with 45% of Brits believing Starmer has a mandate to pursue this, compared to 21% who do not. Among those who voted for Brexit in 2016, opinions are split evenly, with 36% supporting and 36% opposing the mandate for closer ties.
Labour’s manifesto committed to improving the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU and seeking a new security pact.
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has already undertaken trips to Germany, Poland, and Sweden to signal a renewed focus on strengthening relations following a turbulent period under the Conservatives.
