UNIPA News(London)21 June- A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, a new series of polls commissioned by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) indicates a significant shift in British public opinion, with a growing majority favouring closer ties with the EU.
According to the findings, around three-quarters of British voters support strengthening relations with the bloc, citing concerns over economic performance, national security and migration management.
The polling, conducted in May 2026, suggests that many voters now view Brexit negatively, with respondents indicating that leaving the EU has adversely affected the country across multiple sectors. The survey also found increasing public openness to policy areas that were previously considered politically sensitive, including enhanced trade cooperation, freedom of movement and a European nuclear deterrent.
A plurality of respondents expressed support for British participation in a potential European defence framework, reflecting broader concerns over global instability and uncertainty surrounding the United States’ long-term security commitments.
The research points to a notable change in British attitudes toward international partnerships. Respondents reported greater trust in EU member states and EU institutions than in the United States. Many also said they believe European allies would be more reliable than Washington in the event of a security crisis.
The findings suggest that traditional political divisions shaped by the 2016 referendum are becoming less relevant. Rather than identifying as “Leave” or “Remain” supporters, voters increasingly fall into three distinct categories.
The first group, described as “Optimists,” favours deeper reintegration with Europe and views the UK as closely connected to its European neighbours. A second group, labelled “Realists,” supports closer cooperation but remains cautious about the practical and economic implications. The third group, referred to as “Loners,” prefers maintaining or increasing Britain’s distance from the EU.
The ECFR analysis indicates that support for closer UK-EU relations now extends across parts of the political spectrum, including voters who previously backed Brexit. At the same time, opinion on Europe appears increasingly divided within centre-right and conservative constituencies.
Researchers noted that geopolitical developments over the past decade—including ongoing conflicts, shifting global trade dynamics, the rise of China and concerns over the reliability of US foreign policy—have influenced public attitudes.
The report concludes that policymakers may need to reassess existing approaches to UK-EU relations and build a broader political consensus that reflects current public sentiment rather than the divisions that defined the 2016 referendum.
