A recent poll indicates that if a second referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Union were held today, the result would be a reversal of Brexit.
This fresh survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton reveals that a majority of voters now favor rejoining the EU, with the most significant shift in support coming from Generation Z, many of whom were too young to vote in the 2016 referendum.
The younger generation, particularly those aged 18 to 24, have shown overwhelming support for reversing the decision to leave the EU. According to the poll, 61 percent of this age group would opt to rejoin the EU, with only 28 percent preferring to remain out. This two-to-one margin underscores a growing sentiment that Brexit has not delivered the benefits that were promised.
For many, the consequences of Brexit have been widely felt across various sectors, from economic downturns and immigration challenges to the rising cost of living. Whether it’s the NHS, wages, exports, or the country’s global standing, the general view is that Brexit has had a negative impact on life in the UK.
More Want a Brexit Reconsideration
The Redfield & Wilton poll also indicates that 52 percent of voters want another Brexit referendum within the next five years, with 73 percent of those who voted Remain in 2016 favoring a new vote.
This marks the first time since the poll’s inception in 2021 that a majority believes another referendum is likely within the next decade.
Among those who voted Leave in 2016, nearly one in four (23 percent) would now choose to rejoin the EU. In contrast, only 44 percent of the population overall would vote to stay out, including 17 percent of those who originally voted Remain.
There is a growing consensus that Brexit has worsened the situation in Britain. A staggering 43 percent of respondents to the poll believe that the economy is weaker now than it would have been had Brexit never occurred. Furthermore, concerns over public services, particularly the NHS, and worries about Britain’s international reputation have fueled calls for re-engagement with Europe.
Despite this, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out any immediate plans to rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union.
“I’ve been really clear about not rejoining the EU, the single market, or the customs union, or returning to freedom of movement.” -Keir Starmer.
He remains committed to negotiating a better deal for Britain but is adamant that a second referendum is not on the horizon in the short term.
Starmer’s Focus Remains on Public Finances
While some in the Labour Party have expressed stronger opinions, Sir Keir’s focus is on repairing the country’s finances and public services, rather than revisiting Brexit. His allies argue that another referendum would be too divisive and distract from the current government’s pressing agenda.
However, other prominent figures, such as former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, have been more vocal in their criticism of Brexit. Blair recently stated that Brexit had led to “unprecedented mass immigration” and that it had failed to deliver on its promises.
The Redfield & Wilton survey provides fresh fuel to the ongoing debate about the UK’s future relationship with the EU. Although there is no immediate political movement towards holding a second referendum, the public sentiment indicates that many believe Brexit has not been the success it was envisioned to be.
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