Britain's Changing View on Europe: Public Backing, Economic Reality, and the Liberal Democrat Plan

​Public Opinion Shift: Where Britons Stand on Europe
​Recent polling highlights a shifting landscape in British public sentiment regarding Brexit and the UK’s relationship with the European Union:
​Regret Over Leaving: 57% of Britons believe the UK was wrong to vote to leave the EU, a figure that includes 23% of former Leave voters.
​Support for Rejoining: While 55% express general support for rejoining the EU, enthusiasm drops sharply to 35% if rejoining means losing previous opt-outs, with 43% opposing membership under those terms.
​A Middle Ground: 59% of Britons favor establishing a closer relationship with the EU without full membership, the Single Market, or the Customs Union, making it the only proposal backed by a majority of both Remainers and Leavers.
​Economic Expectations: Most Britons expect that rejoining the EU would benefit the broader UK economy, though only 31% believe it would directly improve their personal household finances.

​The Liberal Democrat Vision: A New Growth and Defence Partnership
​The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Growing instability driven by global turmoil, aggressive posturing from regimes like Russia, and shifting international alliances have left both the UK and Europe increasingly vulnerable. Domestically, economic stagnation and a prolonged cost-of-living crisis continue to squeeze household budgets.

​The Conservatives’ botched Brexit deal, backed by Nigel Farage, has cost UK taxpayers an estimated £90 billion a year in lost tax revenue. That lost income drains vital funding from schools, the NHS, and the Armed Forces, leaving British businesses tangled in red tape and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Labour has failed to show the ambition needed to break down these barriers to growth.

​To tackle these challenges, the Liberal Democrats are proposing a bold plan for a Growth and Defence Partnership with the European Union. Detailed on the official Liberal Democrats Policy Platform, this strategy aims to deliver safety, strength, and economic prosperity:

​1. Joining the Single Market and a UK-EU Customs Union
​Re-entering the Single Market and forming a new UK-EU Customs Union is the fastest way to eliminate trade barriers, boost UK exporters, and generate a national "Growth Dividend". This revenue will be directed toward cutting the cost of living, rebuilding health and social care services, and properly funding defense.

​2. An Ambitious Security and Defence Pact
​Geography and shared values bind the UK's security directly to Europe. As traditional international alliances face uncertainty and threats from expansionist regimes remain high, close cooperation with European allies is essential. The proposed UK-EU defence pact will:
​Improve coordination on Europe’s rearmament drive and support NATO's operational requirements.
​Drive high-skilled British jobs across shipbuilding, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and defence technology.
​Strengthen joint resilience in critical supply chains, energy security, and emerging technologies.

​The Roadmap to EU Membership: Rejoining as the Ultimate Ambition
​While immediate economic and security needs dictate joining the Single Market and Customs Union first, full re-entry into the European Union remains the Liberal Democrats' explicit, long-term destination.
​Recognizing that trust must be systematically rebuilt after years of political friction, the party outlines a pragmatic, four-stage roadmap to move the UK from economic integration back to full EU membership:

​Step 1: Rebuilding Trust & Unilateral Goodwill
Fixing immediate friction points by securing a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement for food/agriculture, establishing a bilateral Youth Mobility Scheme, and participating in EU agencies (such as the European Medicines Agency and Environment Agency).

​Step 2: Deepening Structural Links
Rejoining cultural and educational exchange programs like Erasmus+, associating with Horizon Europe, and formalizing defence ties via associate participation in the European Defence Agency.

​Step 3: Economic Integration (Single Market & Customs Union)
Creating the new Growth and Defence Partnership to eliminate tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff trade barriers, restoring frictionless trade for UK businesses and stabilising the national economy.

​Step 4: Rejoining the European Union
Once economic convergence, regulatory alignment, and mutual trust are fully restored, the UK will apply for full EU membership.

​By establishing a clear, phased approach, the Liberal Democrats aim to provide the stability British businesses and citizens need today while paving a credible path back to the heart of Europe.

Policy statements:
A new Growth and Defence Partnership with Europe

Policy documents:





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