No 10 gathering evidence on public support for rejoining the EU

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Published: 2026-09-30T18:45:12.979Z • Permanent link

Downing Street officials have been secretly reaching out to prominent thinktanks and pollsters in an effort to gauge public support for the UK's potential re-entry into the European Union. According to sources close to the matter, senior officials have been in contact with several leading institutions, including the Centre for Policy Studies and the UK in a Changing Europe, to gather data on the British public's sentiment on the matter. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to build momentum for a potential U-turn on Brexit, with some analysts speculating that the government may be looking to capitalize on the growing discontent among voters.

One individual who has been in close contact with Downing Street is Professor Anand Menon, director of the London School of Economics' European Institute. Menon has been a vocal critic of the UK's Brexit policy, and his institute has produced several influential reports on the potential economic and social impacts of a second referendum. According to sources, Menon has been advising the government on the best ways to frame the debate on EU membership, and his expertise has been instrumental in shaping the government's thinking on the issue.

Meanwhile, the government's own polling data has been showing a growing divide on the issue of EU membership. A recent YouGov survey found that 46% of British voters would support a second referendum, while 44% would not. The results are seen as a significant shift from the government's previous stance, which was that a second referendum was not on the table. The data has been used by Downing Street officials to inform their decision-making on the issue, and is seen as a key factor in their decision to seek out external advice.

The government's decision to seek out public opinion on EU membership is significant, not just because of the potential impact on the UK's relationship with Europe, but also because of the implications for the broader Data Sources domain. Companies such as Bloomberg and Reuters, which provide critical data and analysis on the UK's economic performance, will be watching the developments closely. Research communities, including those focused on Brexit and EU policy, will also be paying close attention to the government's actions. The potential for a second referendum has significant implications for the markets, particularly in the financial sector, where investors are closely watching the UK's economic performance.

The data collected by the government will also have implications for the UK's research communities, particularly those focused on social sciences and economics. Thinktanks such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Resolution Foundation will be analyzing the data to better understand the potential impacts on the UK's economy and society. The data could also have significant implications for policy debates on EU membership, particularly in the run-up to the next general election.

The government's decision to seek out public opinion on EU membership is part of a broader pattern of re-evaluation of the UK's relationship with Europe. In recent months, there have been several high-profile resignations from senior government positions, including the departure of former Brexit Secretary David Davis. The resignations have been seen as a sign of growing unease among senior officials about the government's handling of Brexit, and have raised questions about the government's ability to deliver on its promises.