New polling shows support for stronger UK-Europe defence ties
Four in ten Brexit backers believe Andy Burnham should strengthen defence ties with Europe, new polling a decade on from the EU referendum shows, reports BritPanorama.
Overall, half of all voters wish to prioritize enhanced security links with European allies, while only a small fraction, one in ten, think the UK should cooperate more with the US.
The findings, conducted by Savanta, indicate that with an “aggressive Putin and an unpredictable Trump” compromising global security, the Liberal Democrats argue that Mr. Burnham cannot adhere to Labour’s Brexit red lines. This assertion came on the first day of their annual conference in Brighton.
Mr. Burnham has pledged to respect Sir Keir Starmer’s stance against rejoining the customs union and single market or allowing free movement of people, despite expressing a desire to adopt a more ambitious approach in redefining relations with the EU.
The Liberal Democrats posited that such a policy poses a “risk to our national security.” They advocate for a new ‘growth and defence partnership’ with Europe to address Russian aggression and stimulate the UK economy.
The proposed initiative would involve UK membership in the single market and establish a new security council, intended to protect the UK’s borders and bolster British industries like shipbuilding and aerospace.
Among those endorsing prioritized defence links with European allies, 25 per cent were found to be Reform UK voters, according to the poll.
Al Pinkerton, the Lib Dem Europe spokesperson, remarked, “Ambitiously rebuilding our defence and trade ties with Europe is the biggest step this government could take to turbocharge economic growth and bolster Britain’s defences.”
He criticized Starmer’s approach, suggesting that Burnham risks being viewed as a continuation of previous leadership. He urged No 10 to present a Growth and Defence Partnership that would include a new UK-EU defence pact and UK participation in the single market, citing the precarious global security landscape.
Mr. Burnham faces increasing pressure to reconsider his adherence to Starmer’s red lines. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock stated in an exclusive interview that the new prime minister should not feel “constrained” by them, arguing that those who are patriotic would support returning to the European Union.
Moreover, former Tory chancellor George Osborne commented that Britain’s economy has “fallen off a cliff” since Brexit and suggested that rejoining the EU’s customs union would be the quickest route to economic recovery.
Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice highlighted that support for rejoining the EU is now at its highest level since the Brexit vote, urging political leaders to capitalize on this momentum.
Savanta’s survey engaged 2,376 UK adults between 4 and 7 September.
A government spokesperson stated, “Europe faces the most dangerous security environment since the Cold War, and we are stepping up alongside our allies to build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO. That is why we are building an ambitious, close relationship with the EU that will improve our security and unlock good growth in every postcode.”
As discussions around these issues continue to evolve, the implications for UK foreign policy and economic strategy remain significant. The focus on European defence ties suggests a reevaluation of the UK’s post-Brexit alignment and partnerships.
