A new survey has revealed that roughly half of voters who support Nigel Farage’s Reform party believe the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union is too distant, prompting fresh debate about the country’s post‑Brexit trajectory. The findings follow Labour leader Andy Burnham’s admission that he is prepared to examine the full spectrum of options, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.
Poll reveals shifting sentiment among Reform supporters
The research, conducted by Public First for Politico, indicates a notable divergence in opinion even within a party that was founded on an anti‑EU platform. According to the data, 51 % of Reform voters agree that the current relationship with Brussels is too distant – a figure that is exactly double the 25 % who maintain that the ties are already sufficiently close. The poll also asked respondents about the nature of any closer cooperation. Some 31 % expressed a preference for a “closer” relationship, but only if it did not require adherence to the EU’s rulebook. In contrast, 39 % indicated they would accept “much closer” collaboration even if that meant following some EU rules again. The disparity highlights a growing split within the electorate that Farage’s party seeks to represent. While the leadership continues to champion a more sovereign stance, a significant minority of its own supporters are open to re‑engagement with the Union, at least in part.
Burnham’s stance opens debate on EU re‑engagement
Mr Burnham’s comments have added a new dimension to an already heated discussion. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the prime minister suggested that the issue of the UK’s future relationship with Brussels was “not good enough” to be left “hanging”. When asked by the BBC’s Today programme whether he favoured rejoining the EU, he replied that he wanted to weigh the “pros and cons” of all available options. “We could stay as we are. That’s definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay,” he said. “We could look at what George Osborne has said about a customs union, we could look at what the Liberal Democrats said at their conference about the single market or we could go all the way.” The phrase “go all the way” has been interpreted by many as a willingness to consider full membership, a prospect that has not been explicitly ruled out by the government.
The timing of the remarks is significant. They come shortly after a poll published on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, which highlighted a shift in public sentiment, even among those who traditionally oppose closer ties with the EU. Burnham’s openness to revisiting the Brexit decision has reignited speculation about a possible U‑turn in British foreign policy, a move that could reshape the UK’s economic and diplomatic standing.
Political implications and economic considerations
The reaction from other parties underscores the broader ramifications of Burnham’s statement. George Osborne, a senior Conservative figure, has argued that Brexit “has been a mess” and that while a return to full EU membership would be fraught with difficulty, rejoining a customs union could ease pressure on the UK economy. His comments suggest that a pragmatic, stepwise approach might be more palatable to both the public and the business community than an immediate leap back into the Union.
Economists point to the potential benefits of closer alignment with EU trade rules, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on seamless cross‑border flows. A customs union would eliminate the need for costly border checks and could restore some of the pre‑Brexit trade efficiency. However, critics warn that any increased regulatory alignment could limit the United Kingdom’s ability to strike independent trade deals elsewhere in the world. The Liberal Democrats, who have long advocated for closer ties, have already seized on Burnham’s remarks to push for a re‑entry into the single market, arguing that it would bolster growth and innovation.
The political fallout is equally pronounced. The Conservative Party, already grappling with internal divisions over the legacy of Brexit, faces the prospect of a renewed debate that could fracture its existing coalition. Meanwhile, the Reform party must decide whether to adjust its manifesto to reflect the evolving views of its supporters or maintain a hardline stance to preserve its identity. The poll suggests that a substantial proportion of its base is receptive to a more conciliatory approach, which could force Farage’s movement to reconsider its core messaging.
Public opinion appears to be in flux. While the overall electorate remains split on the merits of deeper EU integration, the emergence of such a poll indicates that the issue is no longer a settled matter. The interplay between voter sentiment, party politics, and economic realities will likely shape the next phase of the United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe.
Why it Matters
The convergence of polling data and high‑level political commentary signals a pivotal moment in the United Kingdom’s post‑Brexit evolution. A significant minority of Reform voters now favour closer ties with the EU, challenging the assumption that anti‑EU sentiment is monolithic within that constituency. Andy Burnham’s willingness to explore the full range of options, including possible re‑membership, opens a pathway for a pragmatic reassessment of Britain’s strategic position. This shift could have far‑reaching consequences: economically, it may restore trade efficiencies; diplomatically, it could reposition the UK within European affairs; and politically, it may force all major parties to recalibrate their stances on sovereignty versus cooperation. The unfolding debate will likely influence not only the next general election but also the broader trajectory of European integration in the 21st century.
