A new nationwide survey has revealed a dramatic shift in public opinion, with even a majority of Reform UK supporters now leaning towards measures that would bring Britain closer to the European Union.
The poll, which sampled 2,224 voters, highlights how attitudes toward Brexit are evolving. It also suggests that Nigel Farage’s staunch anti-EU stance is not fully resonating with his own party’s base.
According to the findings, 55 percent of Reform UK voters – the party formerly known as the Brexit Party – support the introduction of a permanent youth mobility scheme for young people in both the UK and Europe. Only 34 percent oppose the proposal. The scheme, which is under review following a Brexit reset earlier this year by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, was described by him as part of an ongoing process.
Overall, the concept of youth mobility enjoys widespread public support. Some 76 percent of respondents supported it, while just 13 percent were against. The results further showed that 62 percent of Conservative voters are in favour, despite the party’s historically firm line on Brexit. Among Labour supporters, enthusiasm is even higher, with 90 percent backing the scheme.
Beyond youth mobility, the poll revealed further cracks in the traditional Brexit divide. Reform voters backed closer trading relations with the EU by a margin of 41 percent to 19 percent. While 35 percent of those surveyed preferred the UK to become “more distant” from Brussels, 23 percent favoured closer ties, and 32 percent said they preferred no change. Pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain called the findings significant.
“A deal on youth mobility would create new opportunities for young UK and EU citizens alike, as first proposed by the UK Trade and Business Commission in 2021, and, as Best for Britain’s polling found earlier this year, is favoured in every constituency in Great Britain.
“The government must now use this welcome momentum to work at speed with the EU to finalise a deal so Brits can feel the economic benefits – no more time should be wasted.”
Tom Brufatto, Best for Britain’s Director of Policy
The survey was commissioned by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT). Fieldwork was conducted on August 25–26, including 483 Reform voters among the total respondents.
Youth Mobility Seen As Key For Travel
The travel industry has a strong interest in the issue. ABTA and SBiT argue that youth mobility is critical to the health of the UK’s outbound travel sector, which contributes more than £52 billion annually in gross value added (GVA) to the economy. Many workers in the sector first gained experience in temporary overseas roles, and around two-thirds of all UK holidays abroad are taken within the EU each year.
Research previously carried out by the two organisations found that more than a third of all employees in the sector – and nearly half of its senior leaders – began their careers in temporary roles abroad. Since Brexit, however, opportunities for young people in this space have declined sharply. The number of UK nationals working in support roles such as holiday reps has dropped by 69 percent since the 2016 referendum.
Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s director of public affairs, said the travel industry continues to feel the practical impact of Brexit.
“We know that travel is one of the most noticeable areas that has been altered by the UK’s departure from the EU – with Brits now having to join different passport queues, and changes to the in-destination experience of UK holidaymakers as it has become harder for travel companies to hire and get UK staff into Europe.”
Luke Petherbridge
The findings point to a broader recalibration of public attitudes toward Brexit, with significant sections of the electorate – including those once most supportive of leaving – now expressing support for closer cooperation with the EU.
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