The recent poll results are in, and UK voters are urging Sir Keir Starmer to prioritize strengthening ties with the European Union over maintaining a close relationship with the United States. In a YouGov poll commissioned by Best For Britain, a pro-EU campaign group, it was revealed that 44% of respondents believe that Britain’s economic future lies with its closest neighbors in the EU, as opposed to only 19% who think the government should prioritize links with the US. The increasing concern about the re-election of Donald Trump seems to be a driving force behind this sentiment.
Trust in the EU outweighed trust in the US, with 49% of people placing their faith in the EU compared to 30% who felt the same about the US. This shift in priorities presents a significant challenge to the previous government’s “global Britain” strategy, which aimed to expand the UK’s trading partners to rapidly growing economies worldwide.
Voters who had previously supported the Conservative Party but switched to Labour in the summer were among those who favored closer ties with Europe. This suggests that the government may not risk dividing its electoral coalition by prioritizing trade with the EU. Best for Britain, an organization advocating for EU membership, is spearheading efforts to address the challenges the UK faces post-Brexit.
Despite the public’s preference for closer EU ties, Sir Keir Starmer has rejected the idea that the UK must choose between Europe and the US. The prime minister has been working to build bridges with both the Trump administration and European nations since taking office. A key test of his strategy will come during the 2026 review of the trade and cooperation agreement, which governs the UK-EU relationship post-Brexit.
Andrew Lewin, a Labour MP and chair of the UK Trade and Business Commission, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the EU in the face of a volatile global trading environment. He highlighted the shifting attitudes among the public and businesses, stressing the need to rebuild relations with the EU to support the UK economy’s growth.
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride expressed concerns about the economic implications of Donald Trump’s policies, warning of potential inflation and interest rate hikes in the UK. These developments underscore the need for a stable economic foundation, which the government must prioritize to weather external threats effectively.
As the UK navigates its future trade relationships, the public opinion reflected in the recent poll results will undoubtedly influence policy decisions. The balancing act between strengthening ties with the EU and maintaining relationships with other global partners remains a critical challenge for the government in the coming years.
