Only 12.2% Say Brexit Was a Success, Almost Half Want UK to Rejoin EU

Only 12.2 percent of Britons now regard leaving the European Union as a success, while almost half — 49 percent — say the United Kingdom should rejoin the EU, a large new poll shows. The survey questioned 11,461 people and tested seven possible future relationships with Brussels. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/03/half-want-to-rejoin-eu-and-backing-it-could-drive-up-labour-vote-megapoll-finds?utm_source=openai))

The poll found a clear verdict on Brexit’s outcome: 54.9 percent described Brexit as a failure, 12.2 percent said it was a success, 23.2 percent judged it neither success nor failure, and 9.7 percent had no view. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/03/half-want-to-rejoin-eu-and-backing-it-could-drive-up-labour-vote-megapoll-finds?utm_source=openai))

When asked directly whether the UK acted correctly in leaving the EU, respondents were similarly negative: 52.4 percent said the decision had been wrong, compared with 29.7 percent who said it was right. The survey was carried out between 12 and 24 September and the sample was weighted to reflect the 2016 referendum result. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/03/half-want-to-rejoin-eu-and-backing-it-could-drive-up-labour-vote-megapoll-finds?utm_source=openai))

Rejoin option leads among seven tested scenarios

Of seven relationship scenarios offered, rejoining the EU attracted the most support — 49 percent in favour and 28.5 percent opposed. A plurality (25.9 percent) said Britain should rejoin immediately, 22.9 percent preferred re-entry within three years and 8.4 percent backed a return over the next decade; meanwhile 23 percent said they did not want a closer relationship at all. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/03/half-want-to-rejoin-eu-and-backing-it-could-drive-up-labour-vote-megapoll-finds?utm_source=openai))

The research also tested how different messages and options might affect party support, finding that proposals for closer ties with the EU tended to increase Labour’s vote share in hypothetical scenarios. Polling firms say the results sharpen the political debate over whether and how Britain could move back toward the EU. ([newsdive.net](https://newsdive.net/2026/10/03/majority-favor-eu-reentry-suggesting-boost-for-labour-support-according-to-extensive-poll/?utm_source=openai))

Policy makers and party strategists are likely to watch these numbers closely as discussions continue about the political costs and benefits of pursuing renewed EU membership or a looser partnership with Brussels.

Photo: Peksels)