Majority of Brits regret Brexit and want to return to the EU

Nearly nine years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, recent polling indicates significant regret among the public regarding that decision. A YouGov survey from June 16-17, 2025, revealed that 56 percent of respondents believe it was wrong for Britain to leave the EU and would like to see the UK rejoin the union. Additionally, 61 percent of those surveyed feel that Brexit has been a failure, attributing blame largely to prominent figures like Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, and the Conservative Party. The economic consequences of Brexit have been stark, with predictions of a 15 percent reduction in UK trade, causing substantial financial losses for businesses amounting to £37 billion annually. The leader of the pro-EU group, European Movement UK, highlighted these economic impacts, pointing out that Brexit has resulted in 2 billion extra pieces of paperwork, severely affecting the UK's small and medium-sized enterprises. While the sentiment for rejoining the EU grows, there's a clear divide based on political affiliations. Among Conservative voters, only 28 percent want to rejoin, and for followers of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, that figure drops to 16 percent. Furthermore, a notable portion of the population, 44 percent, believes that addressing other pressing issues should take precedence over rejoining the EU at this time. This indicates a complex landscape in British politics where even among those who regret Brexit, there is significant debate regarding the path forward. The conversation surrounding Brexit remains heated and unresolved, with various opinions on whether the public or political classes would even be willing to pursue rejoining. The voices of the public express a growing desire for closer ties with the EU, as evidenced by 65 percent wanting improved relations with the bloc. However, there are challenges ahead. Some critics argue that opinions in favor of rejoining need to exceed 60 percent consistently to prompt political action. And while there are calls for another referendum, many feel that the current government lacks the political courage to take such a step, especially given the complexities involved in rejoining the EU. The sentiment surrounding Brexit reveals a larger narrative about the UK's future relationship with Europe. Many individuals who once supported the Leave campaign are now grappling with the consequences of their decision. The sense of 'Bregret' is pervasive, and as the anniversary of the Brexit referendum approaches, the ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions in British society while simultaneously highlighting the urgent need for political dialogue regarding the country's relationship with the EU.