A major new poll has revealed a striking shift in British public sentiment, showing that voters in the UK are now more inclined to be part of the European Union than those in France or Italy. The findings heap fresh pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has insisted he will maintain his Brexit 'red lines' despite growing calls for a closer trading relationship.
Poll Reveals Pro-EU Majority in Britain
The exclusive YouGov survey, conducted across six European nations, found that 50 per cent of voters in the UK would now vote to become an EU member if a referendum were held. This figure surpasses the levels of support found in two of the bloc's founding nations, with only 45 per cent in France and 46 per cent in Italy expressing the same desire.
Support for EU membership was markedly higher in other member states, reaching 62 per cent in Germany, 66 per cent in Spain, and 75 per cent in Denmark. Crucially, the poll indicates a dramatic reversal from the 2016 referendum result, with just 31 per cent of people in Britain now saying they would vote to be outside the EU, far fewer than the 52 per cent who backed Brexit nearly a decade ago.
Political Pressure Mounts on Downing Street
The data, published on Friday 2 January 2026, creates an immediate challenge for Sir Keir Starmer's government. It emerges just days after Number 10 reaffirmed the Prime Minister's commitment to his EU 'red lines', rejecting rejoining the single market or a customs union.
However, the poll's release follows a series of interventions from senior Labour figures advocating for deeper ties. Health Secretary Wes Streeting publicly backed a customs union, describing a 'deeper trading relationship' with Europe as a boost for UK economic growth. Meanwhile, Sir Keir's chief economic adviser, Baroness Shafik, privately recommended rejoining the customs union ahead of last month's Budget, arguing it would cut business costs and increase exports.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also suggested rejoining could spur growth, while stressing it was not official government policy. Their comments align with a recent analysis, seen by The Independent, which concluded that Brexit is costing the UK up to £90bn a year in lost tax revenues.
Campaigners Demand Government 'Catch Up' with Voters
Pro-EU campaigners seized on the figures, arguing the government is dangerously out of step with public opinion. Dr Mike Galsworthy, chair of the European Movement UK, stated the results show 'the majority of the UK public now knows that Brexit has damaged the UK'.
'Rebuilding the relationship... doesn't mean a 'Brexit betrayal' - it just means closer trading and better business,' he added. 'The tide has turned, and our politicians need to catch up with public opinion.'
Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton echoed this, saying: 'The British people are tired of the economic self-harm imposed by the Conservatives' broken Brexit deal. The government must stop burying their heads in the sand.'
In a further blow to the Prime Minister, the same poll found Sir Keir to be one of the most unpopular leaders surveyed. Only 17 per cent of Britons held a favourable opinion of him, a rating beaten only by French President Emmanuel Macron, who scored 16 per cent. The Cabinet Office declined to comment when approached.
