A new large-scale poll has shown that nearly half of British voters favour the country's return to the European Union. The Messina Group (TMG) study covered 11 461 people between 12 and 24 September 2026.
The option of fully rejoining the EU received 49 % support against 28,5 % opposed. It turned out to be the most popular scenario among the seven proposed models of relations with Brussels.
The poll was conducted amid statements by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The Labour leader had previously noted that Brexit brought "more harm than good" and promised to present options for strengthening ties with the EU by the November summit.
According to TMG, a proposal to hold a new referendum with a campaign for rejoining could add up to seven percentage points for Labour. Such a move would attract the votes of Green and Liberal Democrat supporters.
Other options — maintaining the current relationship with maximum reduction of trade barriers, or a customs union — also received notable support (48,2 % and 47,1 % respectively). Only 27,9 % of respondents approved of a full distancing from the EU.
25,9 % of respondents would like immediate rejoining, 22,9 % — within the next three years. At the same time, a third of those polled believe that a separate referendum is necessary before such a step.
The poll results highlight a shift in public opinion ten years after the 2016 referendum. How will this trend affect upcoming political decisions?
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, have already expressed readiness for closer cooperation or even the UK's return to the bloc.
