Gen Z Britons Seek Second Chance to Rejoin EU, Poll Reveals
Three in five gen Z Britons – Gen Z Britons, who were too young to participate in the 2016 EU referendum, are now expressing significant discontent with the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. A recent poll conducted by the thinktank More in Common highlights that 60% of young people aged 18 to 28 would support a new vote to reenter the bloc, while just 9% prefer to remain outside. This shift in sentiment suggests a growing belief among the youngest generation that Brexit has not delivered the promised benefits, according to the findings shared exclusively with the Guardian.
A New Era of Political Reflection
The study, which surveyed 440 individuals across Britain, underscores the deepening dissatisfaction of Gen Z with the UK’s exit from the EU. While 50% of this group categorize Brexit as a failure, only 16% view it as a success, with 34% remaining undecided. These results reflect a broader trend of young Britons questioning the long-term impact of the decision, particularly on their quality of life and economic stability.
“For many Gen Z Britons, the Brexit referendum was formative to their political ‘coming of age,’” said Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common. “In focus groups, many in this age group say Brexit was the first political event they were vividly aware of—too young to vote, but with distinct memories of that campaign and the years of debate that followed.”
Ten years after the 2016 referendum, which saw Leave narrowly win 51.9% of the vote over Remain’s 48.1%, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The poll reveals that 62% of young Britons under 29 advocate for a second referendum on rejoining the EU within the next five years. This number is particularly striking, as only 11% of the same group oppose the idea, and 27% are still uncertain about its merits.
Generational Divide in Brexit Perception
Among the youngest adults, aged 18 to 21, who were six to nine years old during the 2016 campaign, 53% now see Brexit as a failure. Just 12% believe it was a success, highlighting the stark contrast between the perspectives of those who grew up during the EU debate and the current electorate. However, this sentiment softens slightly among older Gen Zers, aged 25 to 28, where 48% categorize Brexit as a failure compared to 20% who consider it a success.
The poll also highlights a nuanced view of Brexit’s legitimacy. While 37% of respondents argue that the project could have worked well if politicians had managed it better, 29% claim the concept was inherently flawed. Only 11% maintain that Brexit has been successful, and 23% expressed no opinion on the matter. These findings suggest that the younger generation is more likely to critique the execution of the policy rather than its fundamental premise.
Gen Z voters, though supportive of rejoining the EU, remain cautious about the potential for renewed political conflict. Focus group discussions reveal that many are hesitant to engage in the same endless Brexit debates that characterized the 2016 campaign. For them, the priority lies in addressing pressing issues such as the cost of living, housing affordability, job security, and climate change—topics they feel are overshadowed by the ongoing discourse on EU membership.
Demographic Transformation and Political Realignment
The data coincides with a broader national conversation about the changing demographics of the UK electorate. The 2016 referendum, won by older voters, has since been reshaped by the natural progression of age. A significant portion of the original Leave supporters have passed away, while a wave of new voters, previously ineligible due to their age, have now entered the voting pool.
Peter Kellner, a prominent pollster, has noted that the pro-Brexit majority from 2016 is effectively disappearing. His analysis, based on Office for National Statistics data, indicates that around 15% of original Leave voters have died since the referendum, compared to 10% of Remain supporters. This loss of older voters has reduced the proportion of the electorate that supported Brexit, creating a demographic shift that favors those who remain critical of the decision.
Additionally, more than 6 million young people, who were too young to vote in 2016, have now aged into the electorate. This generational replacement has led analysts to argue that the pro-Brexit coalition has been eroded over time. The result is a growing “anti-Brexit” majority, with millions of young voters now advocating for a return to the EU. The implications of this trend are profound, as it challenges the long-standing influence of older demographics in shaping national policy.
Political Leaders Face Growing Pressure
As the younger generation gains political clout, leaders are facing renewed scrutiny over Brexit’s implementation. The poll findings suggest that Gen Z Britons are not only dissatisfied with the outcome but also with the way the process was managed. Many point to the disconnect between the promises made during the referendum and the realities of post-Brexit life, including trade disruptions, regulatory challenges, and increased public spending.
While the majority of young people favor rejoining the EU, their support is not uniform. The study reveals that 81% of those likely to vote in a hypothetical second referendum would back the pro-EU camp, with just 19% leaning toward remaining outside. This stark divide underscores the urgency of addressing the concerns that have driven this cohort to seek a new vote.
Gen Z’s desire for a second referendum also reflects a broader frustration with political stagnation. They perceive Brexit as a pivotal moment that has left the country in a state of prolonged uncertainty, with little progress on the issues that matter most to them. This sentiment is compounded by the perception that political leaders prioritized the EU debate over domestic challenges, such as economic inequality and environmental policy.
Broader Implications for the Future
The poll’s findings have sparked discussions about the future direction of British politics. With the generational shift, the electorate is becoming more aligned with younger voters’ priorities, potentially reshaping the political landscape. The idea of a second referendum has gained traction as a way to refocus public debate on the practical outcomes of Brexit rather than its initial rhetoric.
For Gen Z, the call for a new vote is not just about rejoining the EU but about reclaiming political agency. They see the referendum as a missed opportunity to address the challenges they face, including rising living costs and the need for long-term economic stability. As they become the dominant force in future elections, their views may influence the trajectory of UK policy, signaling a potential reevaluation of the Brexit decision.
The study also highlights the evolving role of young people in shaping national discourse. While they were initially excluded from the 2016 decision, their growing influence now demands that the political class engage with their concerns. This shift could lead to a more dynamic and inclusive debate, as the next generation seeks to redefine the UK’s relationship with Europe based on their own experiences and priorities.
In summary, the poll illustrates a clear generational divide in Brexit attitudes. Young Britons, once passive observers, are now active participants in the conversation about the country’s future. Their desire for a new vote to rejoin the EU signals a fundamental shift in political priorities, as the younger generation takes the lead in advocating for policies that align with their interests and aspirations.
