Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been urged to reconsider the boundaries of Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union (EU), as new polling suggests that a substantial share of voters want the government to pursue closer cooperation with Europe.
The findings come at a politically decisive moment for Burnham, whose government is attempting to define its approach to the EU while balancing competing demands over sovereignty, immigration and economic policy. According to a recent study by British Future, points towards growing public support for a more ambitious relationship with Brussels. Its research examines attitudes towards areas including trade, youth mobility, free movement and asylum, suggesting that voters are increasingly willing to consider practical arrangements that may reduce some of the difficulties created by Britain’s separation from the EU.
The political significance of the findings is considerable. Burnham does not necessarily face a public demand for immediate British membership of the EU. Instead, the emerging argument is about whether the government should move beyond the existing limitations surrounding the post-Brexit settlement.
Trade is likely to be at the centre of that debate. The EU remains one of Britain’s most important economic partners, and businesses on both sides of the Channel continue to face additional administrative requirements compared with the period before Brexit. A closer framework may potentially make cross-border commerce easier while maintaining Britain’s status outside the bloc.
Youth mobility is another issue attracting attention. Supporters of a new arrangement argue that greater opportunities for young Britons to study, work and travel across Europe may strengthen educational and cultural links without automatically reopening the wider question of EU membership.
British Future’s research indicates that 56% of voters support Burnham going beyond Labour’s existing Brexit red lines in pursuit of closer EU relations.
However, many of those in favour of Brexit have argued that Brexit was never properly implemented and it would take time to fully see its benefits, such as the independence to negotiate trade deals and have greater control over the UK’s borders.
Any change may require careful negotiation. Brussels may be expected to seek reciprocal commitments, while sections of the British electorate remain strongly opposed to measures that may be interpreted as reversing Brexit.
