A new YouGov poll shows that most Britons want the UK to return to the EU. However, hopes for this may collapse again in the upcoming elections: Nigel Farage's 'Reform' party is confidently leading with 24%, while only 19% are ready to vote for Labour and the Conservatives.
The tenth anniversary of the Brexit vote has been marked by the resignation of yet another British Prime Minister. This is seen as symbolic by commentators.
Keir Starmer has become the sixth (!) head of government to leave office since the referendum on June 23, 2016. This vote reshaped the political landscape of the United Kingdom and caused shockwaves across Europe. It was followed by a decade of fierce political struggle and upheaval that significantly affected both traditional parties.
The centrist-left Labour Party is still trying to find its footing after winning the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, the right-wing Conservative Party is officially listed as endangered: its positions are being undermined by the far-right 'Reform' party led by Nigel Farage. Fourteen years in power have resulted in a series of crises, scandals, and austerity measures for the Tories.
Amid this political noise, something else is happening: the UK and the EU seem to be gradually coming closer again.
Ten years ago, 52% voted to leave the European Union. Today, the picture has changed: 53% of Britons want the country to return to the European family. About 37% stated they would strongly support such a move, according to a survey by the organization Best for Britain, a research platform focused on Brexit issues.
What specific steps is the United Kingdom taking towards the EU?
The movement of supporters for retaining EU membership—or restoring it—is currently dominant. Partly because 23% of those who voted to leave have changed their minds.
However, it is not limited to opinion polls or warmer handshakes among leaders: real steps are being taken at the policy level. For instance, in 2027, the UK will rejoin the pan-European student exchange program Erasmus+.
British scientists have also returned to the Copernicus Earth observation program, regaining the ability to apply for grants under Horizon Europe—the EU's main research and innovation program.
Will pro-European sentiments maintain their momentum in the UK?
Although public opinion in the country appears to be turning back towards Europe, a paradox arises that could undermine the hopes of EU supporters in the next general elections.
According to the latest YouGov poll, Nigel Farage's 'Reform' party is confidently leading in the ratings, garnering 24%, while the Labour and Conservative parties are nearly tied at around 19% each.
Most voters of the 'Reform' party have not changed their stance on Brexit. The majority of them (55%) not only support the UK remaining outside the EU but also favor further weakening ties with Brussels, according to the Best for Britain survey.
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