Brexit backlash: EU membership tops poll in 628 UK seats

Support for rejoining the European Union is the most popular option for Britain’s future relationship with the bloc in all but four Great Britain constituencies, according to new polling of nearly 12,000 voters.

The findings put pressure on the government’s Brexit red lines as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pushes for closer ties with Brussels and faces demands to go further.

Rejoining EU tops voters’ wish list

The YouGov poll, commissioned by Best for Britain, found 35 per cent of voters preferred restoring EU membership. Just 18 per cent backed the government’s current approach of seeking closer ties within its existing red lines, while 11 per cent wanted looser relations.

A single market deal attracted 6 per cent support and a customs union 5 per cent, making the two “halfway house” options the least popular choices.

The survey, based on an MRP analysis of 632 Great Britain constituencies, found EU membership led in every seat except Ashfield, Clacton, Great Yarmouth and Boston and Skegness. In those four Reform UK- or Restore Britain-held seats, “don’t know” was the most popular answer.

Burnham faces pressure to break Brexit limits

Best for Britain said the results offered politicians a “roadmap” to build support by strengthening Britain’s European relationship.

Burnham has already signalled movement, telling Irish premier Micheál Martin he wanted a “stronger and closer” relationship with the EU ahead of a UK-EU summit later this year.

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, said the findings showed Brexit had been a “massive economic mistake” and urged closer ties with European allies.

Labour voters lead demand for change

Support for rejoining was strongest among Green voters at 67 per cent, followed by Liberal Democrats at 56 per cent and Labour supporters at 55 per cent.

Bristol Central recorded the strongest constituency support, while Burnham’s own Makerfield seat saw 29 per cent back membership, ahead of 24 per cent who said they did not know.

The government said it was building an ambitious relationship with the EU to strengthen the economy and unlock growth across Britain.

Sir John Curtice, the polling expert, said 61 per cent of Britons now favoured rejoining compared with 39 per cent who wanted to remain outside — the highest average level recorded since 2016.

All but four constituencies would support rejoining EU, poll shows