Now is the time for all Labour ministers to make the case for Europe

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

A recent Ipsos poll shows that 63 percent of likely UK voters support applying to rejoin the European Union, with particularly strong backing among younger and Labour voters. This shift follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's openness to revisiting the UK's EU relationship and signals growing public momentum that could influence future political platforms and elections.

Support for the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union has increased, according to a recent Ipsos poll conducted in mid-October 2026. The survey found that among likely voters, 63 percent would support applying to rejoin the EU in a hypothetical referendum, while 34 percent would prefer to remain outside the bloc. Three percent were undecided.

This rise in support follows public comments by the UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, who has opened the door to reconsidering Britain’s long-term relationship with Europe. The Prime Minister has indicated a willingness to examine options beyond the 2024 Labour manifesto, which respects Brexit but does not rule out closer integration in the future. Some ministers have reportedly shifted toward accepting that rejoining the EU could be a question of “how it is expressed in the manifesto, rather than if.”

The poll also highlighted generational and party differences. Among those under 35, 73 percent favor rejoining the EU, and 77 percent of those who voted Labour in the last general election support this position. Support among Conservative voters was lower at 31 percent, while 16 percent of Reform Party supporters also backed re-entry.

Public sentiment extends beyond membership preferences, with majorities believing that rejoining the EU would improve the UK economy (54 percent) and national security (53 percent). However, 39 percent expressed concern that EU membership might limit Britain's ability to act independently on its own interests.

Experts and political figures have interpreted these findings as an indication of shifting attitudes. Nick Boles, a former Conservative minister, noted that Burnham’s position reflects the majority view that Brexit has harmed Britain and that closer EU ties are necessary. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock pointed to the sustained growth in support, particularly among younger voters, as a significant demographic trend likely to influence future elections.

Advocates caution that the UK would face challenges in negotiating re-entry given the relatively short period since its departure in 2020. Any attempt to rejoin would require convincing European partners that a future British government would be committed to EU membership, particularly since the exit was finalized less than six years ago. Discussions about the future relationship would likely focus on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence regulation, competition policy, and defense cooperation, rather than topics settled during the UK’s previous membership.

Campaign groups urging closer ties with Europe see the polling as a mandate for stronger political leadership on the issue. They argue that the public is ready for a renewed commitment to Europe and encourage the Prime Minister to leverage this momentum in the lead-up to the next election.

The Ipsos poll surveyed 1,109 adults in Great Britain from October 15 to 22, 2026, reflecting current public attitudes on this evolving policy debate.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.