As the fourth anniversary of Brexit approaches, the present study delves into Britain’s Generation Z’s confidence towards the European Union. Amidst growing confidence in the EU among younger demographics, nuanced complexities emerge. While polling data reveals a favourable view towards closer ties with the EU, the support for outright rejoining remains varied. Social challenges, scepticism towards rejoining benefits, and evolving priorities shape this generational outlook. Understanding these multifaceted perspectives is crucial in navigating the future landscape of Britain’s relationship with the EU. The certain matter is that Britain’s millennials would rather choose free movement and trade with the European countries than any other.
Generation Z’s Confidence in the EU Grows
Recent polling data from the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Best for Britain campaign group paints an intriguing picture of the evolving attitudes of these age groups towards the European Union. Within the research conducted by the Policy Institute, a noticeable trend emerges – a growing confidence in the EU among millennials and Generation Z in Britain. Specifically, 58% of 18 to 24-year-olds desire a stronger relationship with the EU.
Young Britons Favour More Trade Ties with the EU
The inclination of Generation Z’s confidence in the EU may find its roots in the bloc’s commendable response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fostering a more favourable view among the younger demographic. Yet, beneath this overarching positivity, a nuanced landscape unfolds. A YouGov poll adds depth, revealing that only 36% of 18 to 24-year-olds favour rejoining the EU, while 23% advocate for an enhanced trading relationship without rejoining the bloc.
Generation Z Disapproves of Leaving the EU
The intricate web of opinions illustrates that the aspiration for closer ties with the EU needs to translate into unequivocal support for rejoining uniformly. The impact of Brexit on the younger generation becomes more apparent in a YouGov poll, where 63% of people aged 18 to 24 believe that the UK was wrong to leave the EU. Despite the relatively small sample size, the sentiment aligns with other polling, indicating a prevailing view among young people that Brexit has caused more problems than it has solved.
Youths Want to Enjoy Freedom of Movement
Tom Brufatto, the director of policy and research at Best for Britain, has acknowledged the growth of Generation Z’s confidence in the EU. He has argued that Brexit is seen as causing problems rather than fixation by the young people. Best for Britain director has emphasized that younger generations’ positive outlook towards the EU is driven by experiences such as participating in the Erasmus University exchange program and enjoying the benefits of freedom of movement.
Generation Z’s Feelings Are Complex
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has expressed hope that the next generation of UK politicians could fix the mistake made by British politicians on Brexit. She has suggested the young generation reverse Brexit by choosing a clear journey towards rejoining the bloc in the future. Despite Generation Z’s confidence in the EU, beneath this overarching positivity, there are nuanced complexities in their attitudes. As mentioned, a YouGov poll reveals that only 36% of 18- to 24-year-olds want to rejoin the EU.
Rejoining the EU Is Unlikely
It is good to mention that one in five respondents to the YouGov survey has advocated for an increased trading relationship without rejoining the EU. These results highlight a spectrum of opinions within the younger demographic, indicating that the desire for closer ties with the EU needs to translate into support for rejoining uniformly. Besides, neither Labour nor the Liberal Democrats promises to reverse the Conservative Party’s Brexit.
Britons Under 34s Support Another Vote on Brexit.
Ipsos polling, commissioned by The Rest is Politics podcast and led by remainers Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, adds another layer to the narrative. While 48% of people in the 18-24 age group support a referendum on whether the UK should join the EU taking place in the next five years, 50% of those in the 25-34 age group back a referendum. However, only a third of youth believe rejoining would improve the UK’s ability to control immigration.
Brexit Has Gradually Lost Its Importance
There is scepticism among the youth about the benefits of rejoining in certain areas, such as immigration issues. A shift in priorities among the youngest generations further complicates the Brexit narrative. In 2019, while the UK was preparing to leave the EU, it was considered the most important issue. Nevertheless, as Brexit approached on January 31, 2020, its salience began to drop. Currently, with concerns about the economy, health, housing, and the environment, Brexit is a less important issue, particularly among the younger generation.
Social Challenges Affect the Youths
The evolving attitudes of Generation Z and millennials are intertwined with the broader socioeconomic challenges they face. Contrary to misconceptions attributing financial struggles to discretionary spending, the difficulty lies in systemic issues such as entering the property ladder and planning for the future. These challenges significantly shape their perspectives on the EU and Brexit. Generation Z’s confidence in the EU has increased amid social challenges inside the UK.
Brexit Pushes Away the Youths
Art O’Mahony, the youth engagement manager for the Young European Movement, draws attention to the consequences of Brexit on skilled graduates. He notes a growing trend of members looking to move out of the UK, particularly in industries like financial services, where Dublin and Frankfurt have become beneficiaries of London’s loss. O’Mahony criticizes the government’s approach: “The signal they are not welcome is hard to separate from Brexit.” Likewise, the consequences extend beyond economic considerations.
Brexit Was Not the End of Populism.
As the Tory government remains committed to a Brexit policy, losing support, there is a potential resurgence of new populism. The interconnectedness of Brexit with broader political trends underscores the complexities that define the post-Brexit landscape. Britons once found common ground in believing that Brexit’s resolution marked the end of populism. However, disillusionment with the consequences of “getting Brexit done” challenges the assumption. As Brexit gains momentum and dissatisfaction grows, the prospect of another wave of national populism becomes increasingly uncertain.
Leave Voters’ Stance Is Changing
The dynamics driving Brexit are not solely rooted in political shifts; they also reflect broader demographic changes in the UK’s electorate. The 2016 referendum outcome surprised the establishment, revealing resurfacing underlying divides. The shifting mood is not merely a result of Leave voters changing their stance; the impact is more pronounced among those who abstained from voting initially and the influx of young voters too young to participate in 2016.
Social Factors Impact Generation Z’s Confidence in the EU
In conclusion, while younger Britons show a favourable disposition towards the EU, their stance on rejoining is nuanced. The generational blunder of Brexit may be a low priority for them as they grapple with pressing economic challenges and shifting societal dynamics. The evolving narrative surrounding Generation Z and millennials reflects a complex interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors that will shape their relationship with the EU in the future. Understanding their multifaceted perspectives is crucial for anticipating the future of Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
