Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: would Brexit voters really accept the return of freedom of movement?
Dec 16, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Mark Leonard, Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, discuss intriguing polling suggesting many Brexit voters might welcome freedom of movement for access to the EU single market. They explore shifting public sentiments towards UK-EU relations and the potential for defense collaboration to enhance ties. With geopolitical tensions rising, they ponder whether a more flexible approach could reshape negotiations and the UK's role in Europe.
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Shifting Brexit Views
- Brexit voter opinions have shifted since the 2016 referendum, likely due to Trump's election and the war in Ukraine.
- Majorities now favor closer UK-EU relations, including accepting free movement for single market access.
Labour's Brexit Dilemma
- Despite increasing comfort with stronger UK-EU ties, less than 30% of Brits want to formally rejoin the EU.
- This presents a challenge for Labour in positioning themselves on the issue.
Labour's Brexit Strategy
- Labour's strategy involves publicly embracing closer EU relations while pursuing limited substantive changes.
- They aim to depoliticize Brexit, avoiding public debate on aligning with EU rules.