A significant shift in attitudes towards Brexit is emerging among Britain’s youth, with polling revealing that a substantial majority of 18 to 28-year-olds now wish for a second referendum on rejoining the European Union. This growing discontent highlights a generational divide in post-Brexit Britain, suggesting that the political landscape may be on the verge of transformation.
Disillusionment with Brexit
Recent data from the thinktank More in Common indicates that 60% of young Britons believe a new vote on EU membership is necessary, reflecting a profound disappointment with the outcomes of Brexit. Only 9% of this demographic would opt to remain outside the EU if given another chance. When focusing on individuals likely to participate in a hypothetical vote, the figures are even more striking: a staggering 81% would choose to rejoin the EU, while just 19% would prefer to stay out.
This research, based on a survey of 440 young people across the nation, reveals that half of Generation Z categorises Brexit as a failure. Only 16% view it positively, while 34% remain undecided. Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, emphasised the formative impact of the Brexit referendum on younger voters, many of whom were too young to vote in 2016 but have since developed distinct memories of the ensuing debates.
The Generational Shift
Among those aged 18 to 21—who were children during the original referendum—53% label Brexit a failure, while a mere 12% see it as a success. The perspective is somewhat less critical among older members of Generation Z, aged 25 to 28, yet negativity persists; 48% deem Brexit a failure compared to 20% who believe it has succeeded.
The survey reveals a nuanced understanding of the Brexit process among young voters. While there is widespread agreement that the current situation is untenable, opinions are divided on whether the initiative was fundamentally flawed or mismanaged by politicians. Approximately 37% believe Brexit could have functioned effectively if handled differently, while 29% argue that it was doomed from the outset. Only 11% maintain that it has worked well, and 23% have no clear opinion.
Changing Demographics
This polling emerges amidst a broader debate regarding the evolving demographics of the UK electorate. The narrow victory of the Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum, which garnered 51.9% of the vote against 48.1% for Remain, was heavily influenced by older voters. Since then, significant demographic changes have occurred.
Analysts suggest that the pro-Brexit majority that once existed has fundamentally shifted. Notably, over 6 million Britons have passed away since the referendum, a demographic largely composed of older voters who primarily supported leaving the EU. Calculations indicate that approximately 15% of original Leave voters have died, compared to 10% of those who supported Remain.
In contrast, around 6 million young people who were ineligible to vote in 2016 have now entered the electorate, contributing to a significant generational replacement. This turnover has led to predictions that an active anti-Brexit majority now exists among living voters.
According to More in Common’s findings, 62% of young Britons advocate for a referendum on rejoining the EU within the next five years. Only 11% oppose such a vote, while 27% remain uncertain. Among those eager for reinstatement, a remarkable 88% support the call for a new ballot.
Why it Matters
The growing desire among young Britons to revisit the issue of EU membership signifies a critical moment in British politics. As the demographic landscape shifts, the voices of the younger electorate will increasingly shape national discourse. The implications of this polling could lead to renewed debates on Brexit and redefine the political priorities surrounding economic stability, social issues, and the UK’s place in Europe. This generational call for a second referendum not only reflects dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs but also reveals a longing for a more inclusive and representative political process.
