More than half of Britons now support rejoining the European Union, according to new polling published almost 10 years after the 2016 referendum that led to Brexit. The survey, commissioned by Best for Britain and released on April 17, found that 53% of voters would back returning to the EU. The result adds to evidence from recent years suggesting attitudes towards Brexit have changed since the original vote.

In June 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union by 51.9% to 48.1%. The decision triggered years of political debate, leadership changes, parliamentary deadlock and negotiations with Brussels. Britain formally left the EU on January 31 2020. Although rejoining is not current government policy, the latest findings indicate that the issue remains politically relevant as the tenth anniversary of the referendum approaches.

Strong support among Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green voters

The poll found the highest support for rejoining among voters who back parties that have traditionally favoured closer ties with Europe. Among Labour supporters, 83% said they would support re-entry to the bloc. Support stood at 84% among Liberal Democrat voters and 82% among Green voters.

Among Conservative voters, the figure was lower at 39%, while 18% of Reform UK supporters said they would back rejoining. The differences reflect how views on Europe continue to align with wider political loyalties. While the referendum took place nearly a decade ago, Brexit remains closely linked to party identity and broader views about sovereignty, trade and immigration.

No immediate route back to membership

Despite the poll result, there is no major Westminster party currently campaigning to take the UK back into the European Union. Labour has ruled out rejoining the EU, the single market and the customs union during the current parliament. Instead, it has argued for a more practical relationship with European partners, including cooperation on trade, defence, security and scientific research.

The Conservative Party continues to defend Brexit as the outcome of a democratic vote and argues that leaving the EU gave the UK greater control over domestic decision-making. Reform UK has also opposed closer political integration with Brussels and has called for further distance from EU institutions.

That means there is currently no clear parliamentary path towards renewed membership, even if public support continues to rise.

Brexit’s legacy still debated

The impact of Brexit remains contested. Supporters argue that leaving restored control over laws, borders and trade policy, allowing Britain to negotiate its own international agreements. Critics point to added trade barriers, customs paperwork for exporters and reduced freedom of movement compared with the pre-Brexit system. Some sectors, including agriculture, hospitality and health care, have also raised concerns about labour shortages and recruitment pressures since migration rules changed.

The effects have not been uniform. Some businesses adapted quickly, while others continue to report higher costs or more complex administration. Different regions and industries have therefore experienced Brexit in different ways. That mixed picture helps explain why public opinion has continued to shift rather than settle into a fixed position.

Poll reflects mood rather than policy change

Opinion polls provide a measure of public sentiment at a particular moment, but they do not in themselves determine government policy. Results can also vary depending on the wording of questions, sample size and current political events. Even so, support above the 50% mark is significant. It suggests that rejoining the EU is no longer a minority position within this survey.

There is still no sign of an immediate move towards membership. Any future attempt to rejoin would require sustained political backing, negotiations with the EU and a clear mandate from voters. For now, the poll is best seen as a snapshot of how views have changed since 2016. Nearly a decade after the referendum, Britain’s relationship with Europe remains one of the defining issues in national politics.

Cameras rolled through the doors of Andajuicya juice bar in Alhaurin el Grande on Friday, April 17, as part of a popular UK television programme that follows British people who have moved to Spain.

Producers chose the location to interview Andi and Stacey about the rapid growth of their cold-pressed juice enterprise and them making success of moving to a whole new life in southern Spain.

Nationwide deliveries bring healthy options to hotels and workplaces

Andajuicya now distributes fresh juices right across Spain. Hotels and companies order regular supplies so staff members enjoy tasty, nutrient-rich drinks that support daily fitness and wellbeing. Customers appreciate the absence of additives and the focus on pure ingredients pressed daily. Employers love the idea that this little extra they give to their staff will go a long way to keeping them healthy, and, of course, in shape for work.

Cafe draws visitors from every corner of Andalusia

People travel from far and wide to experience the cafe at Andajuicya in the Malaga Province town of Alhaurin el Grande. Expat families and local Spanish residents drop in for revitalising juices combined with nourishing meals. Stacey explains their approach clearly. “When we were first starting, everyone was advising we do English breakfasts and bangers and mash. But, Andi and I don’t eat those things. We do things like sausage meat muffins and sausage and bacon pancakes, but we use the best locally-sourced ingredients, and it’s all homemade,” she says. Flavours remain familiar yet every dish receives careful preparation with only the best produce and ending with a fresh juice chaser.

Expansion into franchises and retreats

Andajuicya is now branching out and developing franchise opportunities as well as launching wellness retreats inside the Guadalhorce Valley. This area has gained fame over centuries for rich soil that yields abundant fresh produce ideal for juice recipes. Early interest from British television channels confirms the couple’s achievements as they launch what promises to become the major success story that Spain has been waiting for.

Santa Pola is gearing up to celebrate the 4th edition of the Fireta del Llibre on Sunday, April 26, turning the heart of the town into a vibrant meeting point for readers, writers and culture lovers. The literary event, held in Santa Pola, will run throughout the morning with activities designed for all ages and a strong focus on encouraging reading among children and young people.

Children’s events, recognitions for readers, author signings, and delicious food

During the event, children will be able to enjoy a creative space of wooden recreational games organised by Jocs de Fusta, offering an accessible and playful introduction to the festival atmosphere. The programme will continue just before noon with the awards ceremony for “The Most Readers 2025”, recognising the most dedicated young readers from the municipality’s libraries.

One of the highlights of the day will take place from noon to 2:00pm with “The Literary Reed”, an interdisciplinary session combining live readings by local library users, music by CHAMÁN, and a popular food and drink offer of a beer or soft drink with a tapa for just €2. The session will also include book signings by popular local authors, strengthening the connection between writers and their community.

Visitors will also find bookstalls from Guilló, Sarai, Sonidos y Letras and El Morenet, offering a wide selection of titles and new discoveries. The municipal library stands will present Fanzine Arte_Fact_0, the first youth magazine in Santa Pola, while language promotion will be led by AVIVA Santa Pola, supported by Generalitat Valenciana, along with Som Cultura Santa Pola and the Xarxa de Biblioteques Municipals de Santa Pola.

A bookish event for the whole family

The Fireta del Llibre in Santa Pola continues to grow as a key cultural event, reinforcing its role as a meeting point for literature lovers across the region. Families are encouraged to participate in the Fireta freely and explore all scheduled events throughout the morning, in an event that is sure to inspire readers and writers from all over the municipality and beyond.