Public sentiment surrounding Brexit has experienced significant shifts recently, with many individuals who once voted to leave the European Union now expressing support for reinstated free movement between the UK and EU. This change is primarily illustrated by new findings from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), which reveal surprising statistics about voter attitudes.
According to the ECFR's latest polling, which surveyed over 9,000 individuals across several European nations, over half of the Brexit voters – precisely 54% – indicated they would now accept the reinstatement of full free movement for EU citizens, provided it leads to access to the EU Single Market. This sentiment is echoed among 59% of voters located within so-called “red wall” constituencies, areas known for fluctuated political loyalties between Labour and Conservative parties.
On December 12, British television personality Carol Vorderman publicly criticized Brexit leader Nigel Farage, asserting on social media, “BREXIT was SOLD as a LIE and still being hawked by Farage and his cronies.” Her tweet went viral, demonstrating how polarizing the subject remains, with some users rallying to support her stance about the perceived failures of Brexit.
The ECFR data also suggests growing support for closer relations with Europe, with 55% of British voters affirming they are open to stronger ties with the EU. Changes on the global stage, such as Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, have been noted to significantly alter the UK’s relationship with the EU, according to experts.
From social media feedback, reactions were mixed. Pro-Brexit individuals such as others noted the irony of voters now embracing ideas once deemed unacceptable. Some argued, “So Brexit happened and they then let in millions of people. It was a lie,” showing the frustration felt by those who supported stringent immigration controls.
Despite the upheaval, Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to reset the UK’s EU relationships, taking steps to acknowledge changing public opinions. Meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa, he previously expressed intentions to recalibrate how the UK interacts with its European neighbors. Starmer’s administration appears aware of the potential for reevaluated ties, even as their official stance maintains no intention to rejoin the Single Market or customs union.
Polls suggest there is potential for significant backing to reconceptualize UK-EU relations. A substantial 68% of British respondents supported the concept of reintroducing free movement of people between regions, indicating possible negotiation over immigration and market access could proceed more amicably than previously thought.
Responses like these hint at wider European sentiment, which reflects the complexity of the current political climate. A majority of polled respondents from Poland (54%) and Germany (53%) also support granting the UK special access to selected parts of the EU single market, demonstrating parallel desires for cooperation on this continent.
Senior officials within the UK government, including the European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, confirmed the red lines set during the last political cycles would remain intact. Yet, increasing urban dialogue suggests voters' positions have softened concerning past hard-line stances.
Mark Leonard, the co-founder of ECFR, remarked, “Brexit-era divisions have faded, and both European and British citizens realize they need each other to be safer.” This realization might be leading to broader acceptance of previously off-limits compromises, as citizens prioritize economic stability over political rigidity.
Emma Knaggs, deputy chief executive of the European Movement UK, reinforced this sentiment. She argued the polls showcase vast public support for mending UK-EU relations, urging the government to reconsider its current rigid policies. She believes enhanced EU cooperation could significantly revitalize economic growth within the UK, particularly under stresses from geopolitical shifts.
The political discourse surrounding Brexit continues to evolve as new opinions and data surfaces. The wave of support for free movement and closer ties with Europe reveals public desires significantly differ from political rhetoric. This dichotomy between citizen preferences and political strategy will likely take center stage as discussions advance and leaders reevaluate their stances based on the demands of their constituents.
