New polling data indicates a significant shift in British public opinion on Brexit, with a clear majority now saying they would vote to rejoin the European Union if given another chance.
A Deltapoll survey for the Mirror reveals that 58% of voters would back returning to the bloc, compared to 42% who would choose to stay out. This sentiment emerges as the UK approaches the tenth anniversary of the original 2016 referendum later this year.
A Nation Divided: Age and Party Lines
The poll uncovers profound generational and political splits. Among the youngest voters, aged 18 to 24, a staggering 86% stated they would vote to rejoin the EU. Support remains high but gradually declines with age.
Conversely, a slim majority (51%) of those aged 55 to 64 prefer staying out, a position that solidifies to 58% among the over-65s.
The divide is equally sharp along party lines. While 66% of Conservative voters and 82% of Reform UK supporters endorse the current Brexit settlement, pro-rejoin sentiment dominates among opposition parties. Approximately 71% of Labour supporters and 78% of Liberal Democrat voters said they would vote to return.
Regional Support for Rejoining
Every region of Great Britain showed net support for rejoining, though the strength of feeling varies considerably.
Scotland demonstrated the strongest backing at 73%, followed by London and Wales at 65% each. Support was narrower but still present in the Midlands (53%) and the North (54%).
Government Stance and Campaigner Views
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has moved to reset relations with European partners, securing a trade deal and recommitting to the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. While signalling openness to deeper cooperation and closer alignment with the single market, he has firmly ruled out rejoining the EU or the single market.
Campaigners argue the poll reflects public disillusionment. Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, stated voters are increasingly seeing Brexit as a failure, particularly amid global uncertainty and unpredictable relations with the US.
Despite the polling, Downing Street has reiterated its red lines, with the Prime Minister's spokesman confirming that re-entering the single market or customs union is not under consideration.
