Three years ago the UK began its transition out of the European Union, after voting to leave in the Brexit referendum 52 percent to 48 percent in 2016. Since then, much debate has surrounded whether Britain should rejoin the EU, especially in light of logistical issues and fresh forecasts that suggest the country could be financially worse off outside Brussels. Despite this, a new poll of Express.co.uk readers has found just 25 percent think there should be a second ballot on the UK’s membership of the bloc.
In contrast, a Savanta survey for The Independent found 65 percent of Britons support a second referendum, with the majority polled also believing the UK’s global influence and ability to control its borders have worsened since leaving the EU.
The results show an increase of 10 percent, compared to the 55 percent in favour of a second vote at the same time last year, after just two years out of the bloc. In response to the results, Chris Hopkins, from Savanta, said many may have overestimated the potential benefits of Brexit at the 2016 ballot.
He explained: “It’s hard to imagine being in the EU would solve any of the country’s current economic issues, but perceptions matter.”
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran said: “It’s no wonder that the British public feels this way, when the Conservatives have gone out of their way to make it harder for smaller businesses to trade with our neighbours, for farmers to sell their produce overseas, and for scientists to cooperate with their counterparts.”
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In response, Express.co.uk ran a poll from 9.30am on Tuesday, January 3, to 11.30am on Wednesday, January 4, asking readers: “Do you agree UK should hold a second Brexit referendum?”
In total, 15,572 people cast their votes, with the vast majority, 75 percent (11.599 people) answering “no” against a second referendum.
Whereas 25 percent (3,923 people) were in favour of a second ballot on the UK’s European Union membership, and a further 50 people said they did not know either way.
Thousands of comments were left below the accompanying article as readers debated whether the UK should vote again on Brexit.
A Government spokesperson said: “We are taking full advantage of the many benefits of Brexit, and are restoring the UK’s status as a sovereign, independent country that determines its own future.
“We have taken back control of our borders, restored domestic control over our law-making and axed numerous pieces of bureaucratic red tape, saving businesses and consumers money across the country.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has previously spoken out against a second referendum, emphasising that Britain should accept the result. He told the BBC last year: “We have exited the EU and we are not going back – let me be very clear… about that. There is no case for rejoining.
“What I want to see now is not just Brexit done in the sense that we’re technically out of the EU, I want to make it work. want to make sure we take advantage of the opportunities and we have a clear plan for Brexit.”
