Brexit Regret: Majority of UK Voters Support Rejoining the EU

A May 2026 report from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) reveals that 52% of UK voters would now vote to rejoin the European Union. The data indicates a significant shift in public opinion, with 57% of Britons viewing the original decision to leave as a mistake.

Why do most UK voters now want to rejoin the EU?

Economic pressure is the primary driver of this shift. According to the ECFR report published in May 2026, 66% of surveyed Britons blame Brexit for the rising cost of living and increased supermarket prices. Additionally, 65% believe the exit damaged the national economy.

This financial discontent has eroded previous support for the 2016 referendum result. Only 30% of voters still support the decision to leave, while 13% remain undecided. The shift isn’t limited to traditional pro-EU parties; the data shows 31% of Conservatives and 13% of Reform UK members now favor rejoining.

Did you know? 70% of new voters—those too young to participate in the 2016 referendum—want to rejoin the EU. That’s a six-to-one ratio compared to those who prefer to stay out.

How has the debate on immigration changed since 2016?

Immigration, once the cornerstone of the “Leave” campaign, has seen a reversal in public perception. The ECFR finds that 56% of Britons believe Brexit actually worsened the handling of illegal immigration. Notably, 58% of people who originally voted “Leave” share this view.

This shift has softened the stance on freedom of movement. The report states 66% of Britons would now accept reciprocal freedom of movement between the UK and the EU-27. This include 59% of Conservative voters, suggesting the issue no longer holds the same political weight it did a decade ago.

Why is the UK prioritizing Europe over the United States?

Geopolitical instability in the U.S. is pushing London back toward Brussels. With a Donald Trump-led administration perceived as unreliable, 63% of Britons now prefer to prioritize relations with Europe over those with the U.S., according to the ECFR.

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Trust in the U.S. as an ally has dropped to 18%, while 45% view Europe as a trusted partner. When looking at specific nations, Britons view Germany (53%), Spain (52%), France (51%), and Poland (50%) as their strongest allies.

Pro Tip: For those tracking UK-EU trade, watch the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme for 2027. This formal participation marks a concrete step toward closer cooperation.

What are the new political divisions in the UK?

The old “Leave” and “Remain” labels are obsolete. ECFR experts identify three new camps that better predict current political behavior:

The Optimists (28%): They seek a closer relationship based on shared interests during future crises. 97% of this group would vote to rejoin.
The Realists (35%): This group is spread across all political parties and prefers cooperation based on a case-by-case cost-benefit analysis. 58% favor rejoining.
The Loners (27%): They prefer a distant relationship, believing the UK and EU have different priorities. 78% wish to remain outside the bloc.

Current relations are largely unpopular. Only 6% of respondents want to keep the UK-EU relationship as it is today, and only 7% want fewer ties. This atmosphere arrives amid significant political volatility, following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and public calls from London Mayor Sadiq Khan for the UK to rejoin the union.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would the UK rejoin the EU in a new referendum?

According to May 2026 ECFR data, 52% of voters would vote to rejoin, while 31% would choose to remain outside.

Do “Leave” voters still support Brexit?

Support has declined. 58% of original “Leave” voters now believe Brexit worsened the handling of illegal immigration.

Which EU countries do Britons trust most?

Germany is the most trusted ally at 53%, followed closely by Spain (52%), France (51%), and Poland (50%).

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