Britons want to get closer to the EU — and even Farage’s voters agree
As Labour grandees discuss reversing Brexit, Public First results show 70% of voters would welcome tighter ties with the European Union.
Liverpool, England — A POLITICO Poll reveals overwhelming support among Britons for the government to strengthen ties with the European Union, suggesting a desire to redefine the Brexit settlement. Even those who back Brexit advocate Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, 51% of them favor closer relations with Brussels. This poll arrives during a delicate time for the ruling Labour Party, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure from senior colleagues to reconsider Brexit and rejoin the EU.
Seb Wride, head of polling at Public First, notes that Europe is increasingly seen as an important ally, especially with the U.S. appearing less dependable. However, the government faces a difficult task in balancing the desire for a closer EU relationship with the need to avoid reopening the contentious Brexit debate that has divided the nation for a decade.
The poll found that 31% of respondents want Britain to have a closer relationship with the EU, as long as it doesn’t involve adhering to EU rules. Meanwhile, 39% support much closer cooperation, even if it means following some EU regulations. Green Party voters are the most keen on re-establishing closer ties with the EU, with 64% backing it.
Older voters express less interest in strengthening the EU bond. Among Reform UK supporters, 51% desire a closer relationship, twice the 25% who prefer greater distance. For Labour politicians, this poll could provide ammunition to push Burnham towards more ambitious plans, potentially including rejoining the EU's customs union, single market, or even full membership.
As Burnham prepares to address party members in Liverpool, ministers and others are weighing in on what kind of EU connection Burnham should pursue. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's report suggests renegotiating a reformed EU deal as a long-term goal. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urges Burnham to initiate the EU rejoining conversation, calling Brexit a "disaster."
"A stage will come, sooner or later, when we'll have the conversation about rejoining the European Union. Why wait?" he says. Public First surveyed 2,028 UK adults online from September 13-15, 2026.
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