Media: Poll shows majority of Britons would now vote to remain in EU

Fewer than one in three Britons would vote to leave the European Union if the Brexit referendum were held again, according to a new poll conducted by the think tank More in Common for The Sunday Times.

The survey of 2,113 people, carried out between July 22 and 24, found that only 29% would vote to leave the EU—down sharply from 52% in the 2016 referendum. In contrast, 52% now say they would vote to remain. The poll also showed growing support for a second referendum on EU membership, with 49% backing a rejoin vote within the next five years, Caliber.Az reports. 

Support for rejoining the EU comes amid efforts by the Labour government to rebuild ties with Europe. In May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck a deal with Brussels that included e-gate access for British travellers, relaxed pet travel rules, and reduced red tape for food and drink trade.

The poll highlighted that support for Brexit remains strongest among those who voted Conservative in the last general election (52%) and Reform UK supporters (68%).

On the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), 58% of respondents said Britain should remain a member, up eight points from June. Only 28% supported leaving, with support highest among Reform voters and those concerned about migration, crime, or asylum policy. Nigel Farage has previously said that his party would pull the UK out of the ECHR if it came to power.

Public opinion of world leaders was also measured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the highest net approval rating at +39%. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also viewed positively, while Vladimir Putin (-64%), Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu (-37%), and Donald Trump (-35%) were the most unpopular.

British views on NATO were mixed, with 49% believing the US would likely defend a NATO ally under attack. Just 5% thought it was certain.

The poll also reflected growing anxiety over China. Nearly half (43%) of respondents believe China is likely to invade Taiwan in the next five years. However, support for a UK military response was low, with only 21% backing military aid. Instead, 44% supported diplomatic efforts and 40% backed humanitarian aid.

Despite Labour’s efforts to strengthen UK-China ties—Starmer is expected to visit Beijing later this year—public scepticism about Chinese investment remains high. Some 56% oppose Chinese investment in UK transport and energy, while 60% are against it in public services. In contrast, opinions were more divided over retail, with 44% in favour and 43% opposed.

Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, said:

“With fewer than three in ten saying they would vote to leave the EU in a referendum today and almost six in ten saying the UK should remain in the ECHR, the days of Europe as a political bogeyman may be on the wane.”

He added that while support for Ukraine remains high, the public is “more nervous about involving the UK in a conflict in Taiwan,” with just one in five backing military aid.

By Sabina Mammadli