Reform UK’s poll reveals majority support for closer EU ties
Half of Reform voters agree that Britain should have closer ties with the EU, according to a new poll, as Andy Burnham opens the door to rejoining the bloc, reports BritPanorama.
The poll, conducted by Public First for Politico, indicates that seven in ten voters want the government to foster a closer relationship with Brussels. Yet only 31 per cent support this if it involves compliance with the EU’s rulebook. In contrast, 39 per cent desire “much closer” cooperation even if that entails some adherence to EU rules.
Surprisingly, even among supporters of Nigel Farage’s party, 51 per cent believe the current UK-EU relationship is too distant, with only 25 per cent opposing this view.
The findings come as Burnham admitted he is open to reversing Brexit, stating he could go “all the way” in proposing to rejoin the European Union.
In addressing the Labour Party Conference, the Prime Minister attributed a decade of drift and division to Brexit, asserting it was “not good enough” to leave the issue unresolved. He expressed an interest in evaluating the “pros and cons” of the UK’s future relationship with Brussels, mentioning full membership as one potential avenue.
“We could stay as we are. That’s definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay,” he explained on the BBC’s Today programme. “We could explore what George Osborne has said about a customs union or what the Liberal Democrats suggested about the single market.”
Osborne, previously an advocate for remaining in the EU, remarked that Brexit “has been a mess” and suggested that rejoining the customs union could alleviate economic pressures facing the UK.
In his inaugural Labour conference speech as Prime Minister, Burnham stated that leaving the EU had caused “more harm than good” and promised to outline the options available to the public ahead of an upcoming UK-EU summit.
Labour’s 2024 election manifesto had ruled out joining a customs union or the single market, as well as the return of freedom of movement. However, Burnham appears willing to reconsider these positions.
“There are clearly options that need to be considered… and we have to look at what is doable and what would be the pros and cons of each,” he reiterated.
This latest statement marks the most significant indication yet of Burnham’s openness to revisiting the historic decision made a decade ago, potentially leading to another referendum on EU membership.
Public First surveyed 2,028 UK adults online between September 13 and September 15, 2026. The Independent has been a vocal advocate for rebuilding the UK’s relationship with Brussels, backed by evidence of economic damage stemming from Brexit and unmet promises across several issues, including immigration.
As the discussions unfold, the ramifications for the UK’s future position in Europe are becoming increasingly complex and layered.
