A new April 2026 poll shows 53% of British voters favor rejoining the European Union, a shift ten years after the Brexit vote.

The finding matters because it signals growing dissatisfaction with the current post‑Brexit arrangement and could reshape party strategies ahead of the next general election. Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green supporters are especially enthusiastic about a return to full EU membership, a dynamic that may pressure the governing Conservatives to reconsider their stance.

The poll, conducted by EuroWeeklyNews, surveyed 2,000 adults across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — a sample size considered robust for national trends. It recorded 53% backing for EU re‑entry, up from roughly 30% in the years immediately following the 2016 referendum [2]. The same research showed that more than 80% of respondents who identify with the Labour, Liberal Democrat or Green parties support a full return to the bloc [1].

By contrast, the Guardian’s analysis said Conservative voters remain divided, with just under half expressing support for rejoining. This partisan split suggests that any future referendum on the issue would likely see the opposition parties campaigning for a “yes” vote while the governing party navigates internal dissent.

Political analysts said the shift aligns with broader economic concerns, such as trade friction and labor shortages, which many voters attribute to the Brexit outcome. The Labour Party has already begun to weave EU membership into its policy platform, promising to negotiate a “soft” re‑entry that preserves the UK’s regulatory autonomy while restoring market access.

What this means: The poll indicates a clear majority of the British electorate now favors EU membership, a sentiment that could influence upcoming electoral calculations and policy debates. While a formal vote to rejoin remains years away, parties are likely to factor this public mood into their campaign narratives, potentially reshaping the UK’s long‑term relationship with Europe.

“More than half of Britons now back rejoining the EU.”

The majority support for EU‑re‑entry suggests the Brexit referendum’s legacy is waning, and political parties will need to address this changing public sentiment as they plan future campaigns and legislative priorities.