British Voters Express Regret Over Brexit Decade After Vote

Two-thirds of British voters now view the 2016 decision to leave the European Union as a negative force, according to data from the European Council on Foreign Relations. The shift in public sentiment highlights a growing consensus that the departure has hindered the country's economic stability and ability to manage critical national issues.

Editorial·June 21, 2026·reads: 989

British Voters Express Regret Over Brexit Decade After Vote

Conducted between May 7 and May 14, the survey reveals widespread disillusionment with the post-Brexit landscape. Beyond general economic dissatisfaction, 56% of respondents argue that the UK’s strategy for handling illegal migration has failed. A similar majority believes that leaving the bloc has stifled opportunities for young people and complicated international trade through increased bureaucratic hurdles.

Mark Leonard, the think tank's director, noted that the initial promise of a better life outside the EU remains unfulfilled. Consequently, three-quarters of those polled now advocate for closer ties with Europe. This pivot extends to security, where respondents overwhelmingly favor European partnerships over the United States. Furthermore, the survey suggests a significant portion of the electorate would support restoring freedom of movement in exchange for a more robust trading relationship, marking a sharp contrast to the migration-focused rhetoric that defined the original referendum campaign.