British public favors closer relations with EU after Brexit, new poll finds

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New research suggests more than half of Britons want a closer relationship with the EU, part of a post-Brexit shift in opinion.< /p>

A A poll by British Future found that 52% of respondents would like the UK to have closer relations with the European Union. In comparison, only 12% said they would prefer a more distant relationship and 27% said they would maintain the status quo.

Pollers say the research was based on a representative survey at l national scale as well as on a series of surveys. focus groups with people in London, Peterborough and Stockport.

It was found that almost half of Britons think the UK's relationship with the EU is more important for peace , stability and prosperity than our relations with the United States or with Commonwealth Nations.

The British were particularly supportive of closer EU collaboration on issues such as counter-terrorism, trade and scientific/research cooperation. Six out of 10 respondents also favor closer collaboration on migration for work and study.

The report reveals that almost half of Britons think the UK's relationship with the EU is more important for peace, stability and prosperity than our relationship with the US or the Commonwealth

British Future director Sunder Katwala said the report's findings could encourage a new government to try to expand Britain's relationship with the EU.

“ These results show why there has been little noise around Rishi Sunak's increased cooperation with the EU on the Windsor Framework and the Horizon for Science programme. A new government could try to go further,” he said. “Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have spoken about resetting relations with the EU. The public will give them space and permission to increase pragmatic cooperation – although it is unclear what appetite there is for this in Brussels. »

Mr. Katwala added, however, that these developments could highlight the challenges that will come with the reopening of the Brexit debate.

Labour and Conservative supporters, we...