Half of UK wants to rejoin EU and backing it could drive up Labour vote, megapoll finds
A new megapoll indicates that nearly half of UK voters support rejoining the European Union, a stance that could increase Labour's vote share by up to seven points. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a review of Britain's future relationship with Europe, including the option of full re-entry, following his first Labour conference speech. However, cabinet ministers representing constituencies that voted for Brexit are urging caution to avoid reopening political divisions and potentially benefiting rival parties.
- ▪The Messina Group poll found that renegotiating the UK's relationship with the EU could boost Labour's vote share by as much as seven points.
- ▪Almost a third of voters believe an in-out referendum is necessary before rejoining, while over one in six think a general election mandate is sufficient.
- ▪Two-thirds of cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, represent seats that voted for Brexit in 2016.
- ▪Senior Labour figures such as Lucy Powell and Jonathan Reynolds have publicly cautioned against rejoining due to constitutional and economic concerns.
- ▪Downing Street's strategy focuses on criticizing unfulfilled Brexit promises rather than directly accusing Leave voters of making the wrong decision.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/03/half-want-to-rejoin-eu-and-backing-it-could-drive-up-labour-vote-megapoll-finds |
| Publication time | Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:00:52 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-10-03T05:12:40.741Z |
| Last seen | 2026-10-03T05:12:40.741Z |
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Pro-EU campaigner calling on Andy Burnham to rejoin the bloc, in Parliament Square last month. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenPro-EU campaigner calling on Andy Burnham to rejoin the bloc, in Parliament Square last month. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/ShutterstockEuropean UnionHalf want to rejoin EU and backing it could drive up Labour vote, megapoll findsExclusive: Findings will bolster those in No 10 who want to negotiate on re-entry but some senior figures remain waryPippa Crerar and Rowena MasonSat 3 Oct 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAndy Burnham’s personal preference to rejoin the European Union after the next election is supported by almost half of all voters, a new megapoll has found, although cabinet ministers…
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