Harish Patel :Tab2Mag.
A recent poll conducted by More in Common for the Sunday Times reveals a significant shift in public sentiment regarding the European Union (EU). As Brexit support wanes, nearly half of British voters express a desire for a new referendum on EU membership within the next five years.
The survey, which sampled over 2,000 individuals, found that if the Brexit vote were held again, only 29% would opt to leave the EU—down from 52% in the original June 2016 referendum. In contrast, 52% of respondents now support remaining in the EU, with an additional 8% undecided and 11% indicating they would not participate in a new vote.
The findings underscore a changing landscape in public attitudes toward Europe over the past decade. Among the respondents, nearly half (49%) believe a referendum on rejoining the EU should be conducted within the next five years. In contrast, 37% oppose such a move.
This shift in perception follows political developments, including Labour leader Keir Starmer’s efforts to foster a closer relationship with Brussels. Starmer has advocated for an EU-UK trade deal aimed at easing post-Brexit barriers. Additionally, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has actively engaged with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, marking a departure from the historically strained relations under previous Conservative administrations.
Despite these evolving dynamics, the current government shows little inclination to pursue another referendum on EU membership, citing the protracted and contentious process that followed the original vote.
The poll also highlights public sentiment regarding the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with 58% of respondents favoring continued membership, while only 28% support leaving. Prominent figures like Nigel Farage have called for withdrawal from the ECHR, arguing that it complicates the UK’s ability to deport migrants by upholding their human rights. In contrast, Kemi Badenoch, a senior Conservative figure, has indicated that the party will review its stance on the convention.
Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, commented on the implications of the poll: “With fewer than three in ten saying they would vote to leave the EU in a referendum today and almost six in ten saying the UK should remain in the ECHR, the days of Europe as a political bogeyman may be on the wane. Politicians might find themselves pushed to establish a more constructive relationship with Europe.”
As public opinion continues to evolve, the political landscape surrounding Brexit and the UK’s relationship with the EU remains fluid, inviting further discussion and potential policy shifts in the coming years.
