British Opinion Shifts Towards Restoring EU Free Movement
A new poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) reveals that mainstream British opinion has shifted decisively to rebuild travel links with the continent, a decade to the day after the 2016 referendum. The poll, published by Le Monde on 22 June, shows that two thirds of respondents would now agree to reintroduce free movement of workers, tourists and students between the UK and the EU.
Brexit Fatigue and Labour Shortages Drive Public Opinion Change
Brexit fatigue, ongoing labour shortages and the administrative expenditures of the post-Brexit immigration regime appear to be driving the change. The poll shows 66% of people think Brexit is responsible for a greater cost of living while 56% feel tougher border controls have failed to stop irregular migration. Business groups say the same: vacancy rates in hospitality and seasonal agriculture are over 15%, and firms must pay high sponsorship costs for Skilled Worker visas or abandon expansion plans.
Trade and Cooperation Agreement Would Need Renegotiation
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement would need to be renegotiated and, critically, reciprocal rights agreed with all 27 EU Member States, to regain mobility. While no UK party is yet proposing full EU membership, analysts say a tailored youth-mobility program, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and increased short-stay business visas might be stepping-stones.
European Politicians Show Openness to Closer Mobility Links
On their part, European politicians are expressing openness. Last month the European Parliament supported a resolution calling for “pragmatic visa facilitation with the UK in sectors of mutual interest”.
Pressure Mounts for Changes to the UK Immigration System
For multinational firms, the survey is an early warning that whichever administration comes out of Westminster’s present upheaval (see article 2) will face increasing pressure to ease the UK’s current points-based immigration system. Companies should thus keep an eye out for Home Office consultations slated for the autumn and assess their global mobility budgets: sponsorship charges, Immigration Health Surcharge liabilities and right-to-work processes might all alter if a mobility détente obtains political traction.
Conclusion
Growing public support for restoring closer ties with Europe highlights how attitudes towards Brexit and immigration are evolving. With labour shortages persisting and businesses facing mounting costs, pressure is increasing on policymakers to consider new arrangements that could ease mobility between the UK and the EU.