UK voters back EU membership as majority support rejoining, report finds

A new Best for Britain report indicates that support for UK membership of the European Union is both politically significant and economically advantageous, particularly if progress on the government’s UK–EU “reset” slows.

Polling conducted by YouGov shows 61% support the current approach to closer ties, but backing is described as shallow, with only 19% expressing strong support .

53% support the UK rejoining the EU, with 32% opposed

Strong support concentrated among Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (84%), and Green voters (82%)

Only 29% support maintaining the current UK–EU relationship, while 58% oppose further divergence

EU membership is assessed as offering the highest long-term economic growth potential

Tom Brufatto, Executive Director of Policy at Best for Britain, said EU membership represents the most “politically sustainable” option.

Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, noted the broader debate on UK–EU relations is shifting as economic and geopolitical pressures evolve.

he analysis is based on a survey of 4,368 adults, conducted by YouGov between 5–10 September 2025, examining voting behaviour across the 2016 referendum and recent UK elections.

Researchers assessed political and economic impacts of different UK–EU models relative to the government’s baseline approach.

A second survey of 4,478 adults in March 2026 examined attitudes to Freedom of Movement, including how different framings influence support.

ℹ️ Best for Britain