Support for Britain’s return to the European Union has reached unprecedented levels, with 61% of respondents indicating they would vote to rejoin, according to leading pollster Sir John Curtice. This marks the highest level of backing since the 2016 referendum, where 52% voted to leave. Despite this surge in public sentiment, political leaders risk squandering the opportunity unless they actively engage with the conversation around Britain’s post-Brexit future.
Public Opinion Shifts Toward Rejoining
Sir John Curtice, speaking exclusively to The Update Desk as part of the Europe: The Way Back campaign, revealed that the current 61% figure represents the strongest average support for rejoining across any extended period since the original vote. The 39% who would prefer to remain outside the EU reflects a significant narrowing of the divide that once seemed insurmountable. However, Curtice cautioned that this shift has occurred largely without substantial encouragement from political figures.
The change is largely demographic in nature. Among those who participated in the 2016 referendum, only 18% of Leave voters now express willingness to support rejoining, while just 11% of Remainers would choose to leave again. The decisive factor lies in the ten years of new eligible voters who were too young to participate in the original Brexit vote. These younger citizens overwhelmingly favour closer European ties, with polling suggesting they are “very heavily in favour of rejoining.”
Additionally, some older Leave voters have passed away, and among those who could vote but did not in 2016, current polling indicates they too lean toward rejoining. “Other things being equal, yes,” Curtice affirmed when asked whether the trend would continue, noting that politicians advocating for rejoining could further elevate support.
Political Silence Undermines Public Momentum
Until recently, mainstream political parties largely avoided championing Britain’s return to the EU bloc. Even the Liberal Democrats, traditionally pro-European, refrained from openly advocating rejoining prior to 2024. The Greens and Scottish nationalists were notable exceptions, but their influence remained limited nationally. This political quietude meant the public had little guidance on how to process their evolving views on Brexit’s aftermath.
Now, with Labour beginning to discuss Brexit more openly, Curtice suggests that politicians have a responsibility to articulate a compelling narrative. He argues that public opinion has moved significantly—even in the absence of active political advocacy—and that introducing credible arguments could push support even higher. “If you were to start to make the argument… you should be able to move the dial further.”
However, doing so requires more than policy adjustments. It demands effective communication and strategic framing. As Curtice notes, the manner in which the rejoining debate is presented will likely determine its success or failure in any future referendum. Labour leader Keir Starmer and his team face particular scrutiny, as their approach to post-Brexit engagement will be judged against rising public expectations.
Challenges Remain in Framing the Debate
While the headline figure for rejoining stands at 61%, significant concerns persist among segments of the population. Many citizens remain uncertain about the practical implications of EU membership, including questions over eurozone adoption or participation in the Schengen Agreement. These uncertainties complicate efforts to build consensus around rejoining.
Curtice emphasised that while the Remain/rejoin camp would begin from a stronger position than in 2016, winning a future referendum would still require persuasive messaging. The way the argument is framed—from economic benefits to identity and sovereignty considerations—will be critical. He specifically highlighted Labour’s Andy Burnham, who has proposed a “reset” with Europe, as needing to clearly articulate his vision to gain public trust. Without a robust defence of post-Brexit policy shifts, critics on the right may portray any move toward reintegration as disrespectful to the 2016 vote.
Furthermore, Labour’s broader electoral strategy—aimed at re-engaging working-class and Leave-voting communities in former Labour strongholds—has yielded mixed results. While the party has begun discussing Brexit more frequently, Curtice argues that deeper engagement is necessary to ensure public acceptance of any substantive changes in Britain’s international alignment.
EU Negotiations and Future Outlook
Anticipated discussions at an upcoming UK-EU summit later this year—such as agreements on food and drink exports and youth mobility schemes—may offer tangible steps toward improving relations. Yet, without transparent communication about these developments, public apathy or resistance could undermine progress. Curtice warns that governments must be prepared to justify their actions, particularly when dealing with complex issues tied to national identity and sovereignty.
He concludes that while momentum exists in favour of rejoining, translating sentiment into policy requires decisive leadership. Silence from political elites risks allowing public opinion to stall rather than translate into real change. “At some point, if you are a government and you decide to change things, you need to be willing to defend it.”
Why it Matters
The rising public appetite for rejoining the European Union signals a profound shift in British attitudes toward Brexit’s legacy. For decades, the referendum result was treated as settled policy, with limited room for reassessment. Today, that dynamic is changing. If political leaders fail to acknowledge and respond to this new consensus, they risk deepening public disillusionment with the political establishment. Moreover, mishandling the narrative around Europe could fuel division, embolden populist voices, and distract from the urgent need to address long-term challenges—from economic stagnation to climate policy—through collaborative frameworks like those offered by the EU. The window for meaningful dialogue is narrowing, and the choices made now will shape Britain’s role in the decades ahead.