Headlines and 'facts'

Latest in a series of many comes from the Institute of Public Policy Research in the Guardian. The headline:

 Britain cannot deal effectively with geopolitical crises without rejoining EU, says thinktank

 The thinktank argues that

so much has changed since Britain left the EU in 2020 that this would not count as rejoining, but becoming a member of a wholly new European Union. Most voters would be willing to support such a position, it says, citing new polling showing 52% of voters back reentering the union,compared with 29% who oppose such amove

It cites a poll to support its view:

The majority of voters polled want to rejoin the EU

How would you vote if there was a referendum tomorrow on whether the UK should rejoin the EU? 2024 voters

Join the EU

Don't know

I would not vote

Stay out of the EU

All

52%

10%

9%

29%

Lib Dem

76%

8%

16%

Green

70%

8%

19%

Labour

68%

7%

21%

Conservative

37%

9%

53%

Reform

23%

6%

68%

Guardian graphic Source: IPPR and Persuasion UK. Note: 3,039 UK voters, 11-15 June 2026

 

 However. examining the reasons given for the decision reveals that:

 [sorry for the poor graphic -- the Guardian does not like anyone stealing their material]

 

Travel and security have the strongest influence on opting to rejoin

% of voters who would accept a rejoin deal when this pro-Europe message is shown

 Travel Passport queues

 55.6

Security Dangerous world

54.2

Investment Falling behind US, China, EU

54

Business Buried under paperwork

53

Identity Britain is European

52.7

Economy Brexit made Britain poorer

52.1

Values Peace, democracy, rule of law

51.9

Workers' rights

51.7

Betrayal £350m promises not kept

51.6

Devolution Left-behind communities

50.8

Opportunity Live & work across Europe

50.8

Guardian graphic Source: IPPR and Persuasion UK. Note: 3,039 UK voters, 11-15 June 2026

 

 

Hardly a gripping level of involvement in the lofty debates about the new Union and geopolitic security. The usual stuff really.