Brexit: Rejoining EU takes record 14-point lead in latest poll

[Hydrogen]

Britons would now vote to rejoin the EU in a second referendum by a record 14-point margin, a new poll has found.

A tracker poll found support for reversing Brexit is now at 57 per cent, compared to just 43 per cent who want to keep it.

Support for rejoining has steadily ticked up since the start of this year – with 'out' still ahead as recently as May this year.

But the survey by Redfield and Wilton Strategies for the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank shows the picture has changed quickly amid economic and international turmoil.

Professor Sir John Curtice, a respected political scientist at the University of Strathclyde, said that the shift may be down to changes in the economic situation – and suggested the trend may continue.

"In reporting on the poll in February we noted that evaluations of the economic consequences of Brexit were particularly strongly related to changes of mind about being inside or outside the EU. This pattern is replicated in the latest poll," he wrote in an analysis of the findings.

The professor said it seemed "highly likely that a darkening of the public mood on the economic consequences of Brexit helps explain the increase in support for joining the EU" and added that it should not be ruled out "that the financial turbulence of recent weeks may at least have helped to reinforce that mood".

"What happens to the economy and the country’s fiscal finances in the coming weeks and months may not only be crucial to the Conservatives’ future electoral prospects, but also for the continuing level of support for Brexit," he said.

Sir John noted that 2016 Remain voters who would now vote to stay out of the EU were much less likely (40 per cent) than those who would vote to join again (85 per cent) to say that the economy was weaker as a result of Brexit.

"A similar difference exists between those 2016 Leave voters who would vote to stay out and those who would now back joining," he noted.

But despite the strong public opinion shift towards wanting to rejoin the EU, no major political party is actively campaigning to do so.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said again this week there was no chance of his party taking Britain back into the EU.

"It's straight no from me. We’re not going back into the EU," he told LBC radio, adding that he wanted to "make Brexit work".

Even the Liberal Democrats, who in 2019 said they wanted to rejoin the EU without even putting it to a referendum, have only set out a tentative roadmap for rejoining the bloc's economic single market.



https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/brexit-rejoining-eu-takes-record-14-point-lead-in-latest-poll/ar-AA13tS0F

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This appears to be emerging as a controversial hot topic. With many europeans vocally calling for the UK to face punishment before being allowed to rejoin the EU.

Given recent conflict between russia and ukraine, I've wondered if the UK would feel safer outside the EU not having to devote manpower, resources or budget towards ukraine's support. As they would be expected to if they rejoined the EU as a full fledged member. If the UK did rejoin the EU perhaps they would wait until after the situation in ukraine is resolved. As an american who doesn't interact much with brits or europeans I wonder what the underlying current of public opinion resembles.

For #brexit to succeed I would guess many brits were unhappy with the direction of the EU or discontent with circumstances in general. Has this changed leading into 2022? Has some type of massive shift occurred?

[Sithara007]

This is just a temporary phenomenon. Conservatives are losing support in England and that is the reason why the left-wing and pro-EU groups are up in polls. It will not stay as such, if Rishi Sunak is able to get the British economy to a growth phase. And so far, his policies look promising to me. And BTW, Brexit was a permanent decision. I don't think that they will consider going back to the EU, just because a couple of polls showed majority support for doing so. The Brexit referendum was a result of almost a decade of lobbying and campaigning.

[davis196]

Given recent conflict between russia and ukraine, I've wondered if the UK would feel safer outside the EU not having to devote manpower, resources or budget towards ukraine's support. As they would be expected to if they rejoined the EU as a full fledged member. If the UK did rejoin the EU perhaps they would wait until after the situation in ukraine is resolved. As an american who doesn't interact much with brits or europeans I wonder what the underlying current of public opinion resembles.

What do you mean?
The UK is already sending weaponry to Ukraine and UK officers are training Ukraine soldiers.
The UK doesn't need to be in the EU in order to send manpower, resources and money to Ukraine.
No country in the EU is REQUIRED to send weapons and money to Ukraine! The EU members are going this voluntarily.
They can send money and weapons, if they want to.
There's a parliament decision in my country(a member of the EU), which forbids the government to send weapons to Ukraine.
I don't expect the UK to rejoin the EU anytime soon. It doesn't matter if the war in Ukraine ends sooner or later.
The possibility of the UK getting in and out of the European Union every 5 years seems hilarious to me.
The brits have come to a decision and they have to stick to that decision.

[NeuroticFish]

This appears to be emerging as a controversial hot topic.

It's going to be ugly, that's clear. Sooner or later the brits will understand that the greater power comes in unity, even if it's imperfect, as EU is. Sooner or later they'll understand that no matter how their politicians try to patch theirs economy wounds (some of them they've created by leaving EU), EU could have been doing it better.

And yes, getting back will be tough. And not only as punishment in money, but also as other things to change - for example EU may impose UK no longer use their (odd) measurement units when working with international customers (which I expect to be really difficult to implement).

[stompix]

Putin is doing more than any European leader has managed to do for the Union, he got two brand new countries into NATO when everyone was not thinking of anything military-related, he has managed to get former CIS countries more interested in joining both the EU and NATO, now if the UK comes back he will become the laughing stock of the century.

And not only as punishment in money, but also as other things to change - for example EU may impose UK no longer use their (odd) measurement units when working with international customers (which I expect to be really difficult to implement).

That's not going to happen!
Let's be serious now, how are you going to differentiate between those two horse races at Musselburgh
The one at 14:37 over 1 mile 7 furlongs and 182 yards and the one at 15:07 over 3 miles 7 furlongs and 108 yards!
With the metric system? Get real!
One pint of syrup, one gallon of milk, 10 ounces of butter, one pound of meat, half a dozen eggs it's so simple! 

[NotATether]

Putin is doing more than any European leader has managed to do for the Union, he got two brand new countries into NATO when everyone was not thinking of anything military-related, he has managed to get former CIS countries more interested in joining both the EU and NATO, now if the UK comes back he will become the laughing stock of the century.

Agreed.

And not only as punishment in money, but also as other things to change - for example EU may impose UK no longer use their (odd) measurement units when working with international customers (which I expect to be really difficult to implement).

That's not going to happen!
Let's be serious now, how are you going to differentiate between those two horse races at Musselburgh
The one at 14:37 over 1 mile 7 furlongs and 182 yards and the one at 15:07 over 3 miles 7 furlongs and 108 yards!
With the metric system? Get real!
One pint of syrup, one gallon of milk, 10 ounces of butter, one pound of meat, half a dozen eggs it's so simple! 

And I thought the USA was the only country in the world that still uses the imperial system.

I don't think UK would get any punishments from the EU because such a thing is not described in the EU's charter, if I recall correctly.

[Hispo]

Putin is doing more than any European leader has managed to do for the Union, he got two brand new countries into NATO when everyone was not thinking of anything military-related, he has managed to get former CIS countries more interested in joining both the EU and NATO, now if the UK comes back he will become the laughing stock of the century.

Agreed.

And not only as punishment in money, but also as other things to change - for example EU may impose UK no longer use their (odd) measurement units when working with international customers (which I expect to be really difficult to implement).

That's not going to happen!
Let's be serious now, how are you going to differentiate between those two horse races at Musselburgh
The one at 14:37 over 1 mile 7 furlongs and 182 yards and the one at 15:07 over 3 miles 7 furlongs and 108 yards!
With the metric system? Get real!
One pint of syrup, one gallon of milk, 10 ounces of butter, one pound of meat, half a dozen eggs it's so simple!  

And I thought the USA was the only country in the world that still uses the imperial system.

I don't think UK would get any punishments from the EU because such a thing is not described in the EU's charter, if I recall correctly.

I thought UK had already adopted the metric system long time ago and USA was the only country within the western world that used it.
I also doubt the EU would push for a change to that system, even though it would make things easier, it would not be a deal-breaker for UK re-entering since there are more important things to look at during these challenging times in Europe.

It would be foolish of the European Union to impose punishments against the United Kingdom, by the way, the whole purpose of the organization is to keep the member states together and work in harmony, applying punishments to UK would only fuel the ideas that drove this country to abandon the block in the first place.

[Hydrogen]

What do you mean?
The UK is already sending weaponry to Ukraine and UK officers are training Ukraine soldiers.

The eurofighter typhoon project was marketed as a joint project between EU nations. But in practice everyone involved contributed as little funding and resources to the development cycle as possible. Which resulted in it being a failure. The same precedent will apply to support for ukraine. Everyone will contribute as little as possible. Hasn't it been the basic precedent for decades if not centuries of human history.

Putin is doing more than any European leader has managed to do for the Union, he got two brand new countries into NATO when everyone was not thinking of anything military-related, he has managed to get former CIS countries more interested in joining both the EU and NATO, now if the UK comes back he will become the laughing stock of the century.

As an american I was shocked and surprised when iran began throwing support behind Putin.

Aside from turkey who selected russian s400s over american F-35s, are there other *surprise* nations who will rise up to join russia?

For many years the media claimed russia was isolated and alone. Now apparently russia has friends. The narrative is shifting in ways that I do not approve of.

[NeuroticFish]

As an american I was shocked and surprised when iran began throwing support behind Putin.

So Iran is pretty much the most sanctioned country (maybe after Russia, now) and you're surprised that Iran is doing all they can to enrage USA? Wow.

Aside from turkey who selected russian s400s over american F-35s, are there other *surprise* nations who will rise up to join russia?

Turkiye (no longer turkey, afaik) is playing their dominance at the Black Sea. They are playing friend / foe games with both US and Russia as it suits them best. Keep in mind that Turkiye would like to become part of EU, which may not leave them so much room for being friendly with Russia like other actual members (like Hungary). On the other hand, they need some sort of acceptance for their actions against the Kurds, which EU/US won't give, but Russia has no problems. It's tough politics there, don't be deceived.

For many years the media claimed russia was isolated and alone. Now apparently russia has friends. The narrative is shifting in ways that I do not approve of.

Actually the only ones happy about Russia and showing it are North Korea, unsurprisingly.
Some more are "friendly" because they're desperate for gas or have other political games to play, where the reality may be much more complicated than meets the eye and it's very easy to be deceived.


Maybe I'm wrong. But from what I know, even China (and Turkiye too) advised Putin calm down and stop the madness. And imho it makes sense, because Russia showing weakness means the (war) power shifting from RU+CN (plus maybe TR) towards US (plus maybe EU). Friends? Maybe. But only with (if) huge benefits.

[Hydrogen]

So Iran is pretty much the most sanctioned country (maybe after Russia, now) and you're surprised that Iran is doing all they can to enrage USA? Wow.

Do you remember when iran's general soleimani was killed.

Which public figures were most unhappy about general soleimani's fate? If you thought about it, you might realize those most unhappy about soleimani are those who support war with russia the most. Which made it appear anti russian forces and iran were allied during that era.

Somewhere along the line, iran may have abandoned the anti russian front. To join russia.

Maybe I'm wrong. But from what I know, even China (and Turkiye too) advised Putin calm down and stop the madness. And imho it makes sense, because Russia showing weakness means the (war) power shifting from RU+CN (plus maybe TR) towards US (plus maybe EU). Friends? Maybe. But only with (if) huge benefits.

Putin lacks an exit strategy. He cannot allow ukraine to embarrass him or make him appear to be weak.

China and others advising Putin is pointless, unless they can offer him a way out of the war which allows Putin to maintain his public image.

[NeuroticFish]

Somewhere along the line, iran may have abandoned the anti russian front. To join russia.

So you expect them being actually pro-US after all those sanctions? "No hard feelings"? 
No. I don't expect them ever been in the "anti russian front"; at least not for real.

He cannot allow ukraine to embarrass him or make him appear to be weak.

That train has left the station.. long ago...

China and others advising Putin is pointless, unless they can offer him a way out of the war which allows Putin to maintain his public image.

They most probably have no proper solution for that.

Putin lacks an exit strategy.

Unfortunately he lacked an exit strategy from second 1. And unfortunately this can mean that the war will be dragged ... for much longer.
And since the only ones gaining from war are those selling the guns and bandages, which are private companies, not states, all the smart enough states should do something in forcing this madness get to an end. And I don't think that's possible by being friendly to Russia.

[Hydrogen]

So you expect them being actually pro-US after all those sanctions? "No hard feelings"?  
No. I don't expect them ever been in the "anti russian front"; at least not for real.

Democrats in the united states are the biggest supporters for war with russia and everything anti Putin.

Democrats were also the most unhappy demographic when irans general soleimani was killed.

You can try to reconcile these two observations, if you like.

[NeuroticFish]

Democrats in the united states are the biggest supporters for war with russia and everything anti Putin.

Democrats were also the most unhappy demographic when irans general soleimani was killed.

You can try to reconcile these two observations, if you like.

You tell me things I don't know and that defy (my) logic, so I'll stop here. I feel like some political declarations are taken as real somewhere, but I can be wrong, so I don't know.
I guess we have to simply agree that we disagree in some aspects and I just don't know other aspects.

[el kaka22]

The problem is that UK people thought that EU was doing badly, and UK would be better without EU, but in reality, while EU was doing badly and Brits were right about that, not like UK would do any better without them neither. This is a lose-lose situation and understanding that is a very hard concept. If they stayed or rejoined then it would be bad thing for them, if they stay out then it is still bad too, there is no correct answer here, they are all wrong answers and will result with bad things.

I know that feels quite pessimistic but that’s the reality we are living in, EU will not save UK, and they won't save themselves neither and that’s it.

[Die_empty]

Given recent conflict between russia and ukraine, I've wondered if the UK would feel safer outside the EU not having to devote manpower, resources or budget towards ukraine's support. As they would be expected to if they rejoined the EU as a full fledged member. If the UK did rejoin the EU perhaps they would wait until after the situation in ukraine is resolved. As an american who doesn't interact much with brits or europeans I wonder what the underlying current of public opinion resembles.

What do you mean?
The UK is already sending weaponry to Ukraine and UK officers are training Ukraine soldiers.
The UK doesn't need to be in the EU in order to send manpower, resources and money to Ukraine.
No country in the EU is REQUIRED to send weapons and money to Ukraine! The EU members are going this voluntarily.
They can send money and weapons, if they want to.
There's a parliament decision in my country(a member of the EU), which forbids the government to send weapons to Ukraine.
I don't expect the UK to rejoin the EU anytime soon. It doesn't matter if the war in Ukraine ends sooner or later.
The possibility of the UK getting in and out of the European Union every 5 years seems hilarious to me.
The brits have come to a decision and they have to stick to that decision.

Apart from the United States, the United Kingdom is the biggest supporter of Ukraine in terms of weapons and financial aid. No European country is forced to make contributions to support Ukraine. All their support is voluntary and based on parliamentary approvals. I don't think the UK is would be dodging from joining the EU because of support for Ukraine.

Britain have always wanted to control their affairs without external interference. Brexit have given them that opportunity and I am not sure they would ever want to go back to join the EU. Already they are gradually overcoming some of the consequences of Brexit.     

[pooya87]

Given recent conflict between russia and ukraine, I've wondered if the UK would feel safer outside the EU not having to devote manpower, resources or budget towards ukraine's support. ~ If the UK did rejoin the EU perhaps they would wait until after the situation in ukraine is resolved.

If you look at the timeline of Brexit the plans become clearer.
2014 Russia annexes Crimea, there is a lot of "war" talks start. NATO continues pushing eastward and escalates to the point that Russian invasion is expected. Plans to exit EU starts shortly after that. In less than 2 years a referendum is held.

The basically saw the situation we've seen in EU over the past 6 months (ever since Russia invaded Ukraine) and thought they could exit the union to reduce the effects that UK experiences. Then they wanted to wait it out (similar to WWII) and come back in as the savior of EU.
The problem was that UK was also affected by the same problems EU was facing not to mention Pound dropping nearly as hard.

As an american I was shocked and surprised when iran began throwing support behind Putin.

FYI Iran has not thrown any kind of support behind Putin whatsoever in this war.
The only thing the mainstream media is using in its 44 year old Iranophobia project is drones (namely Shahed-136) Russia has been using that are of Iranian design which were sold to Russia years ago to be used against Terrorist in Syria, a war that Iran and Russia have been fighting together for years.
Besides, these drones are obviously Russian made (only based on Iranian designs) since according to Ukrainian sources the pieces they have gathered (engine, body parts and electronics) are coming from European, American and Chinese companies whereas the actual Iranian made drones are 100% domestically manufactured from its engine down to its electronic parts.

For many years the media claimed russia was isolated and alone. Now apparently russia has friends. The narrative is shifting in ways that I do not approve of.

The biggest friend Russia has are the European countries that decided to buy Russian energy using Ruble instead of Dollar that not only strengthened Russian economy but also negated almost all effects of sanctions

Which public figures were most unhappy about general soleimani's fate? If you thought about it, you might realize those most unhappy about soleimani are those who support war with russia the most. Which made it appear anti russian forces and iran were allied during that era.

That makes no sense

Somewhere along the line, iran may have abandoned the anti russian front. To join russia.

Iran's doctrine is always bilateral relations with every country. There is no "anti" any country defined there. There is also no joining any side defined either. I dare say in the current world Iran is the most independent country that doesn't play in other countries games, instead it defines its own hegemony. Which is exactly why the budget of United States's one week of cold war with Iran is $180 million

No. I don't expect them ever been in the "anti russian front"; at least not for real.

If you knew a little bit of history you wouldn't say that.
As an Iranian let me tell you that there is no pro Russian stance in Iran. Neither among people nor in the administration.
Nobody has forgotten than in the 80's when US and Soviets were at war, when it came to the full scale invasion of Iran they became allies (with 80 other countries) a war they lost I should add. The last 2 years of the war in Persian Gulf Iranians were fighting against both US and Russian navy at the same time. In the 90's when it came to more sanctions against Iran, US and Russia became allies again. In early 2000 when US Gen. Clark is ordered to Destroy 7 Countries in 5 Years Russia and US were allies again. In 2010+ when the strategy is medical and economical terrorism against Iran, US and Russia were allies again.

[teosanru]

Honestly it's a pretty internal matter and people living under those circumstances would obviously be better able to give an opinion on this but as per me Brexit was honestly that point where fall of the British economy began. The promises on which it was done didn't really took reality. Also, that currently UK is facing one of the biggest recession of modern times brings even more light on this question. As per me honestly it wasn't really a great idea from UK to do so but anyways in very long run the results might prove to be contrary.

[NeuroticFish]

No. I don't expect them ever been in the "anti russian front"; at least not for real.

If you knew a little bit of history you wouldn't say that.
As an Iranian let me tell you that there is no pro Russian stance in Iran. Neither among people nor in the administration.
Nobody has forgotten than in the 80's when US and Soviets were at war, when it came to the full scale invasion of Iran they became allies (with 80 other countries) a war they lost I should add. The last 2 years of the war in Persian Gulf Iranians were fighting against both US and Russian navy at the same time. In the 90's when it came to more sanctions against Iran, US and Russia became allies again. In early 2000 when US Gen. Clark is ordered to Destroy 7 Countries in 5 Years Russia and US were allies again. In 2010+ when the strategy is medical and economical terrorism against Iran, US and Russia were allies again.

Woah. I stand corrected (although Russia allied with US sounds odd, I think that I understand what you mean).

Still, if not pro-Russia, they still try, especially lately, to enrage US, at least that's my feeling.
Plus, also lately, they seem to help out Russia sell some resources under the radar. It may be "business, as usual", or may be more, I don't know.

[pooya87]

Woah. I stand corrected (although Russia allied with US sounds odd, I think that I understand what you mean).

And that was just off the top of my head and I didn't even get into pre 1979 revolution

Still, if not pro-Russia, they still try, especially lately, to enrage US, at least that's my feeling.

Nah, the Americans are enraged because none of their plans have worked in the past 40 years. Specifically the $7 trillion they wasted in West Asia and US got practically nothing out of it while Iran got everything.

Plus, also lately, they seem to help out Russia sell some resources under the radar. It may be "business, as usual", or may be more, I don't know.

Well Iran and Russia and at least two dozen other countries have had relationships in different fields including economy and energy for many years. For example SCO and BRICS are two of the biggest ones. So obviously there are a lot of trades/swaps/etc happening amongst these countries.

It is not entirely "under the radar" either, it is mainly not-using the Western payment methods like SWIFT and US dollar for that matter so they can't monitor or prevent it from happening.