Major Shift in Brexit Opinion as 53% of Britons Now Support Rejoining the EU

Majority of Britons Now Back Rejoining the EU

A new poll commissioned by Best for Britain reveals that 53% of British voters now support rejoining the European Union — a significant reversal of the 2016 referendum result, which saw 51.9% vote to leave.

The findings come nearly a decade after the historic vote that led to Britain formally departing the EU on January 31, 2020, following years of political negotiations and parliamentary debate.

Support Split Along Party Lines

The polling data reveals stark differences depending on political allegiance:

• Liberal Democrat voters: 84% support rejoining
• Labour voters: 83% support rejoining
• Green voters: 82% support rejoining
• Conservative voters: 39% support rejoining
• Reform UK voters: just 18% support rejoining

The cross-party divide underscores how Brexit remains one of the most polarising issues in British politics.

No Major Party Campaigning to Rejoin

Despite the shift in public opinion, no major Westminster party currently campaigns for EU membership. Labour has ruled out rejoining during the current parliament, instead advocating for practical cooperation with Europe. The Conservative Party continues to defend Brexit as honouring democratic choice, while Reform UK opposes any closer political integration with Brussels.

Any future attempt to rejoin would require sustained political backing, negotiations with the EU, and a clear mandate from voters. Currently, no clear parliamentary path exists toward renewed membership.

Brexit's Ongoing Impact

Supporters credit Brexit with restoring control over laws and trade policy. Critics, however, highlight the added trade barriers, customs paperwork, and reduced freedom of movement that have followed.

The effects vary significantly by sector and region, with agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare reporting particular challenges in recruiting labour since the end of free movement.

What This Means for Expats in Spain

For the hundreds of thousands of British citizens living in Spain, the poll is a reminder that Brexit's consequences continue to shape daily life — from residency requirements and healthcare access to the bureaucratic hurdles that came with leaving the EU.

While rejoining remains a distant prospect, the shifting public mood suggests the debate is far from settled.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 17, 2026. Polling data is from a survey commissioned by Best for Britain.