Labour voters overwhelmingly want Andy Burnham to commit to rejoining the EU, poll shows
A poll has revealed that nearly three-quarters of Labour voters want party leader Andy Burnham to commit to rejoining the European Union in the next election manifesto, whilst a broader survey shows Britons would vote nearly two-to-one in favour of EU membership in a fresh referendum. The findings come as a cross-party 10-year plan for Britain's return to the EU has been unveiled and sent to the Prime Minister, signalling significant momentum behind the rejoin movement.
The European Movement UK poll, carried out in partnership with Observant, found that 57 per cent of voters would support EU membership compared to 30 per cent against, with majorities across all major parties except Reform UK backing a manifesto commitment to pursue rejoin talks. The proposed roadmap aims for full EU membership by 2036 and is backed by prominent figures including Conservative peer Michael Heseltine, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and former Lib Dem business secretary Vince Cable, whilst Andy Burnham has already indicated that rejoining could feature in Labour's forthcoming manifesto.
- Three-quarters of Labour voters back EU rejoin commitment in manifesto
- Voters would support rejoining the EU 57 to 30 per cent
- Cross-party plan targets UK return to EU by 2036
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The European Union is a political and economic partnership of 27 countries, mostly in Europe. Britain was a member for many years before voting to leave in a 2016 referendum, a decision known as Brexit. Britain formally left the EU in 2020, ending its membership and significantly changing its relationship with European countries.
Since leaving, many Britons have questioned whether the decision was right for the country. A rejoin campaign has emerged amongst campaigners and some politicians arguing that Britain should return to EU membership. There has been growing debate about whether the British public favours EU membership.
Major political parties, including Labour, are now considering their positions on EU membership as a potential election issue. Senior figures from across the political spectrum have begun discussing what a return to the EU might involve. This suggests that rather than being settled by the 2016 referendum, Britain's relationship with the EU could remain a significant political debate for years to come.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Proponents of EU rejoin argue that Britain's economic prosperity and security depend on close cooperation with its nearest major partners, and that polling demonstrates a significant shift in public opinion as the costs of trade friction and reduced investment have become apparent. They contend that democratic mandates appropriately evolve when circumstances change and fresh evidence emerges, and that cross-party backing from experienced figures reflects pragmatic reassessment of Britain's genuine interests.
The case against
Those questioning manifesto commitments to rejoin contend that the 2016 referendum expressed legitimate democratic choice about national sovereignty and control, and that continuously reopening this fundamental question risks lasting division when focused governance is needed. They argue that political energy should address how to optimise outcomes within current arrangements, and that respecting the finality of democratic decisions—even as polling shifts—maintains the stability required for effective governance.