Nearly half of Britons would support the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union, according to a new large-scale survey that highlights growing backing for closer relations with the bloc.
The poll by the Messina Group (TMG) found that 49% of respondents supported rejoining the EU, while 28.5% opposed the idea.
The survey was conducted among 11,461 people between 12 and 24 September and examined a range of options for the future relationship between the UK and the European Union.
Support was also strong for other forms of closer cooperation, including maintaining the current relationship while reducing trade barriers, joining a customs union and participating in the single market.
When asked about the timing of a possible return to the EU, 25.9% said they would favour immediate re-entry, while 22.9% preferred rejoining within the next three years. A further 8.4% supported a return within the next decade.
Debate intensifies under Burnham government
The findings come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened discussion on the full range of options available for Britain's future relationship with Europe.
Burnham has said different models will be examined and has not ruled out the possibility of full EU membership.
The prospect has triggered debate within the Labour Party, with some MPs expressing concern about the political implications of revisiting Brexit, particularly in constituencies that voted to leave the EU.
Downing Street is reportedly assessing public opinion on a possible shift in policy, while differing views have emerged within government over how far any rapprochement with Brussels should go.
Support for closer ties
The poll also found substantial support for other forms of integration with the EU.
A customs union was backed by 47.1% of respondents, while 45.1% supported participation in the single market. A more closely aligned relationship with the EU attracted support from 45.5%.
By contrast, 27.9% favoured moving further away from the European Union.
The survey found that 52.4% of respondents believe Brexit was the wrong decision, compared with 29.7% who still consider it the right one.
Meanwhile, 54.9% described Brexit as a failure, while 12.2% viewed it as a success.
Electoral implications
TMG also examined how different approaches to relations with the EU could affect Labour's electoral support.
According to the survey, policies favouring closer ties with the bloc were associated with increases in Labour's support ranging from 4.3 to 7.4 percentage points.
At the same time, the findings point to continuing political sensitivities surrounding Brexit, with concerns that a renewed confrontation over Europe could strengthen support for Reform UK.
The debate is expected to continue ahead of the next UK-EU summit, as the government considers options for the country's long-term relationship with the European Union.
