Two-thirds of Britons now regret Brexit, poll finds

A significant shift in public sentiment is evident in Britain, with a majority of voters now regretting the decision to leave the European Union. A poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) reveals that two-thirds of British voters, spanning all political affiliations, believe Brexit has had a negative effect on the country.

These findings suggest that the hopes for a better life outside the EU have largely remained unfulfilled. Mark Leonard, head of ECFR, stated, "A decade later, Britons have realized that their hopes for a better life outside the EU will remain unfulfilled and that Brexit will undermine Britain's ability to manage the issues voters care about most." The survey highlights widespread concerns regarding the economy and the cost of living, with 56% of respondents feeling that leaving the EU has worsened these issues.

Beyond economic concerns, Brexit's impact on other key areas is also a source of dissatisfaction. Fifty-six percent of those polled believe that leaving the EU has been detrimental to addressing illegal migration, trade, and bureaucratic challenges. Furthermore, 57% of young people feel that Brexit has diminished their opportunities, and an equal percentage believe that the decision to leave the EU was a mistake.

The desire for closer relations with the European bloc is growing, with three-quarters of respondents now favoring stronger ties. Notably, the poll also indicates a preference for the EU over the United States as a security partner, with only 18% considering the U.S. an ally. Despite migration control being a central theme of the Brexit campaign, 56% of Britons now feel the post-Brexit approach has failed and would support re-establishing freedom of movement with the EU to foster closer trade relations. An accompanying survey across 15 EU countries showed that two-thirds of respondents would support Britain rejoining the EU in the future.