Up to two thirds of British voters, regardless of party affiliation, believe that the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016 had a negative impact on the country, according to a survey carried out by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) this Sunday.
The think tank’s survey, carried out from May 7 to 14 with more than 2,000 respondents, showed that two-thirds believe that Brexit has raised the cost of living and had a negative impact on the economy.
‘A decade later, Britons realize that their hopes for a better life outside the EU are not being realized and that Brexit is damaging the UK’s ability to tackle the issues that matter most to voters,’ said Mark Leonard, director of ECFR.
Among those interviewed, 56% consider that leaving the EU was harmful to the fight against illegal immigration, trade and bureaucracy; 57% believe it has reduced opportunities for young people; and 57% considered the UK’s exit from the EU to be ‘wrong’.
Three-quarters now wanted closer ties with the EU, the ECFR reported.
The survey also showed that Brits preferred Europe to the US as a security partner, with just 18% considering the US an ally.
Migration control was one of the main focuses of the Brexit campaign, but the survey showed that 56% of Britons consider the UK’s post-Brexit approach to be a failure, supporting the re-establishment of free movement with the EU for a closer trade relationship.
The ECFR said a separate survey, carried out across 15 EU countries, showed two-thirds support the UK’s return to the EU in the future.
