Public opinion in the UK is noticeably shifting on Brexit, as a recent poll by More in Common conducted for The Sunday Times indicates a growing desire for a new referendum on the nation’s EU membership within the next five years.
The survey, which sampled over 2,000 people, reveals a striking change from the 2016 Brexit referendum results. Currently, just 29% of respondents would vote to leave the EU, a significant drop from the original 52% Leave vote. Meanwhile, 52% would choose to remain, 8% remain undecided, and 11% would abstain from voting.
Nearly half of those surveyed (49%) support holding a new referendum on EU membership soon, whereas 37% oppose it, signaling a robust demand for reassessment of the UK’s relationship with Europe.
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These findings emerge amid ongoing debates surrounding Europe’s role, notably the UK’s participation in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). A majority of respondents (58%) favour keeping the UK within the ECHR framework, while 28% advocate for withdrawal.
Political figures like Nigel Farage have prioritized exiting the ECHR if elected, and Conservative cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch has suggested further examination of the UK’s membership. The ECHR, co-founded by Winston Churchill after World War II, has faced criticism, primarily for its human rights provisions that some argue obstruct deportations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out holding another Brexit referendum but is committed to strengthening trade ties with the EU. His efforts also include mending relations with European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron — a notable departure from the previous Conservative-led approach.
Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, commented: “With fewer than three in ten saying they would vote to leave the EU in a referendum today… the days of Europe as a political bogeyman may be on the wane.”