A recent Ipsos Mori poll shows that 56 % of the British public would now vote to rejoin the European Union, a rise of four points since May, while those favouring continued separation fall to 30 %, down three points. The findings, released after Mayor Andy Burnham signalled a willingness to explore a reversal of Brexit, suggest a shifting political landscape that could influence the upcoming general election and the prime minister’s push for closer EU ties.
Polling Shifts Since Burnham’s Announcement
The latest survey, commissioned by the reputable Ipsos Mori institute, captures a decisive change in public sentiment. When the question was posed in May, 52 % supported re‑entry and 33 % favoured staying out; the recent update reflects a four‑point swing toward the EU and a three‑point decline for the leave camp. Among voters deemed likely to participate in a prospective referendum, the margin widens to 63 % in favour of membership versus 34 % for withdrawal, with three per cent undecided.
These numbers illustrate a clear momentum for re‑entry.
The shift is not merely numerical; it signals that a significant portion of the electorate now views the EU as a potential remedy for economic challenges and security concerns, and many see it as a centrepiece of the nation’s future programme for growth. While 54 % of respondents believe re‑joining would strengthen the economy, and 53 % think it would enhance national security, a notable 39 % remain uneasy about the loss of sovereign decision‑making. This ambivalence highlights the need for a nuanced debate about the terms of any future relationship.
Demographic Breakdown of Support
Age emerges as the most compelling driver of the trend. Seventy‑three per cent of respondents under 35 favour re‑entry, a figure that dwarfs the 30 % of those aged 65 and over who support remaining outside the bloc. The poll also shows that 77 % of voters who backed Labour at the 2024 general election would choose EU membership, compared with 31 % of Conservative supporters and 16 % of Reform Party adherents.
Younger voters and Labour supporters dominate the pro‑EU camp.
The data suggest that the generational divide is widening, with the under‑35 cohort