Public backlash against Brexit opens door for closer EU ties
This Guardian editorial argues that public opinion has turned decisively against Brexit, creating political cover for Sir Keir Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham, to pursue a much closer relationship with the EU. It notes the irony that Nigel Farage, architect of Brexit, now avoids discussing his signature achievement, since none of the promised benefits of leaving have materialised and voters have noticed. The piece frames this as a moment of opportunity: with Conservative and Reform figures embarrassed by Brexit's legacy, Burnham has room to be bolder than his predecessor without political risk.
The editorial cites a British Future poll showing 57% see Brexit as more failure than success, against just 21% who view it favourably, alongside majority support for closer trade, defence and health cooperation, and 57% backing a youth-mobility scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds. It stresses this doesn't amount to demand for reversal or a fresh referendum, but does support incremental deepening of ties. A UK-EU summit meant to advance cooperation on agricultural trade, energy, defence and youth mobility was postponed after Starmer's departure and remains unscheduled, and the paper urges Burnham to inject political urgency, arguing that Donald Trump's disruption of transatlantic relations makes the case for closer EU ties even more compelling.
In short
- Guardian editorial says Brexit is widely seen as a failure by voters
- 57% call Brexit a failure; only 21% see it as success
- Urges PM Andy Burnham to pursue bolder, closer UK-EU ties
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
With public opinion souring on Brexit and support for practical cooperation with the EU, a closer relationship could respond to voters’ priorities while avoiding a divisive push to rejoin. Progress on trade, energy, defence and youth mobility could bring tangible benefits, and a less reliable transatlantic partnership strengthens the case for building closer European ties.
The case against
Disappointment with Brexit does not necessarily amount to public consent for a substantially closer EU relationship, and the poll cited still distinguishes cooperation from reversal. A successor should weigh any gains against the costs and obligations of new arrangements, and seek a clear mandate before making major changes; urgent diplomacy driven by political opportunity could deepen divisions or distract from domestic priorities.
Explained simply
Brexit is the name commonly given to the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020. The EU is a group of European countries that share rules and work together on areas including trade and security; leaving changed how the UK works with them.
The main figures in this debate include Andy Burnham, a senior Labour politician, and Nigel Farage, a prominent Brexit campaigner and leader of Reform UK. Support for closer UK-EU cooperation can cover practical areas such as trade, defence and health, without necessarily meaning the UK would rejoin the EU or hold another referendum.
The issue matters because the relationship affects businesses, public services and cooperation on shared challenges. Changes to it would involve choices by the UK government and agreement with EU countries.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “The Guardian view on UK-EU relations: voters would reward greater ambition | Editorial”.