A comprehensive survey has revealed that almost half of British voters are in favor of the UK rejoining the European Union, indicating a shift in public opinion regarding the country's relationship with the bloc. The survey, conducted by the Messina group, involved 11,461 participants between September 12 and 24. It found that 49% of respondents support rejoining the EU, while 28.5% oppose it.
The survey's results suggest that rejoining the EU could potentially increase the Labour Party's vote share by up to 7.4 percentage points if Prime Minister Andy Burnham were to propose a new referendum. The survey presented seven options for the UK's future relationship with the EU, with rejoining the bloc receiving the highest level of support. In contrast, 48.2% of respondents favored maintaining the current relationship while reducing trade barriers, and 47.1% supported joining a customs union.
The survey also explored the impact of different policy messages on the Labour Party's vote share and found that scenarios involving closer ties with the EU could increase the party's vote share by 4.3 to 7.4 percentage points. Furthermore, over two-thirds of respondents believed that trade with the EU was more important than trade with the US or China. The majority also supported retaining the UK's membership in the European Convention on Human Rights.
The survey's findings have significant implications for the UK government's approach to its relationship with the EU. Some ministers have expressed concerns about rejoining the EU, citing potential economic costs and constitutional complexities. However, others have emphasized the need for a review of the UK's relationship with the EU, with some advocating for a closer relationship.
The survey also revealed that 25.9% of respondents wanted the UK to rejoin the EU immediately, while 22.9% believed it should happen within the next three years. A significant proportion of respondents, 23%, expressed no desire for a closer relationship with the EU. The survey's results are likely to inform the government's approach to its relationship with the EU.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to review the UK's options for its future relationship with Europe, including the possibility of rejoining the EU. The review is expected to consider various scenarios, including rejoining the EU, joining a customs union, or maintaining the current relationship.
The survey's findings reflect a growing trend in public opinion, with many Britons expressing support for a closer relationship with the EU. The results are likely to influence the government's approach to its relationship with the EU and may have significant implications for the country's future.
Key points
- Nearly half of British voters support rejoining the European Union.
- The survey found that rejoining the EU could increase the Labour Party's vote share by up to 7.4 percentage points.
- Over two-thirds of respondents believed that trade with the EU was more important than trade with the US or China.
