The ghost of Brexit may be fading. A massive new survey reveals that 49% of Britons now desire to rejoin the EU, placing Prime Minister Andy Burnham in a complex political crossroads between overwhelming public will and internal cabinet tensions.

The United Kingdom is currently undergoing a period of profound geopolitical reflection. According to an exhaustive study conducted by the Messina Group (TMG) between September 12 and 24, public sentiment has shifted drastically regarding the country's departure from the European bloc.

With a substantial sample of 11,461 people, the data is compelling: the desire to return to the European Union (EU)—the political and economic union of 27 member states—has reached nearly 50%. Furthermore, a majority of the population now describes the Brexit process as a complete failure.

Analysis of Pro-EU Sentiment

Indicator Percentage
Desire to rejoin the EU 49%
Oppose returning 28.5%
Consider Brexit a mistake 52.4%
Rate Brexit as a failure 54.9%
Support moving further away from the EU 27.9%
What is Brexit?

Brexit is the term used to describe the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, a process that officially concluded on January 31, 2020, after a historic referendum in 2016.

The Political Chessboard

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has already set the stage in his first speech as leader of the Labour Party, announcing a comprehensive review of the relationship with Europe. The political calculation is clear: pushing for a new referendum could potentially boost Labour's voting intention by between 4.3 and 7.4 percentage points.

However, the path is not without obstacles. Inside Downing Street (the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister), a marked divide exists. While some sectors push for a return, key cabinet figures remain cautious:

Lucy Powell
Deputy Leader: Warns about the inherent political risks.
Jonathan Reynolds
Secretary of Trade: Concerned about the economic costs.
Shabana Mahmood
Home Secretary: Fears the reactivation of social divisions.

Timeline for Re-entry

The urgency is notable. According to the report, 25.9% of respondents call for an immediate re-entry, and 22.9% expect it to happen within the next three years. Even intermediate options, such as joining the Single Market or a Customs Union, exceed 45% support.

Source: IMAGO