A clear majority of British voters believe the government should focus on rebuilding trade relations with the European Union rather than prioritizing a new economic agreement with the United States.
A recent study by the think tank Best for Britain reveals that voters view their economic interests as more closely linked to open trade with EU neighbors than to any prospective deal with the U.S.
The findings point to a significant shift in public opinion since the Brexit referendum, with increasing support for closer EU relations. This sentiment may be further reinforced by recent economic uncertainties sparked by comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential tariffs.
According to the study, “53% of voters believe closer ties with the EU would have a positive impact on the UK economy, while only 13% think the impact would be negative.” Moreover, “68% believe that improved relations with the EU would boost trade between the UK and the EU.”
When asked about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s priorities for the upcoming UK-EU summit in May, respondents most frequently selected “trade between the UK and the EU,” narrowly surpassing other concerns such as “illegal immigration across the Channel” and “improving UK-EU defense and security.”
In a broader ranking exercise where voters chose four top government priorities from a list of 20, “the UK’s ability to sign new trade deals with the U.S.” placed 17th.
The most selected concerns were:
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Cost of living
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Immigration and asylum
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The UK economy and economic growth
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Energy costs
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UK defense
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Trade between the UK and the EU
