Following the 2024 general election, Brexit, which was once a key issue in British politics, has significantly lost its prominence, according to a recent YouGov poll. While some voters still support the idea of rejoining the European Union, the topic was rarely addressed during the recent election campaign.
This represents a major change from the 2019 election when Brexit dominated discussions. Currently, only 7% of the public views Brexit as a priority, a dramatic drop from 63% five years ago.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly ruled out the UK rejoining the EU, stating that it won’t happen “in his lifetime.” This position aligns with public opinion, as most voters feel Labour lacks a mandate to reverse Brexit.
The poll reveals that 51% of the public does not believe Starmer’s election victory gives him the authority to seek re-entry into the EU. This sentiment is echoed by a significant number of both Remain (48%) and Leave voters (67%).
Even among Labour supporters in the 2024 election, 47% do not view the election outcome as a mandate to rejoin the EU. Support for re-entering the Single Market or Customs Union is also low, with only 24-25% of the public believing Labour has the authority to pursue this, while 38-40% disagree.
Interestingly, the public also opposes any further distancing from the EU. A plurality of 44% rejects the notion that Labour has a mandate to weaken ties with Europe, compared to just 19% who support such a move.
