UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A recent survey by YouGov reveals that Britons across the UK prioritize trade with the EU over the US, reflecting a continued preference for EU ties.
On the fifth anniversary of Brexit, a recent poll shows that all constituencies in Britain believe the government should focus on building relations with the EU rather than the United States or any other nations.
What did the YouGov survey find on the UK’s trade focus?
A new poll, conducted for Best for Britain, gathered data from around 15,000 individuals across the UK, including England, Wales, and Scotland. It revealed that 46% of respondents believe the government should develop trading relations with the EU, while only 22% supported the US, 4% chose China, and just 6% supported other nations.
According to the survey findings, more than half of voters in 73 constituencies back stronger EU relations. This includes constituencies that voted for Reform UK MPs in 2024.
Pro-brexit constituencies backing closer eu trade ties
In Clacton, a constituency held by Nigel Farage, more people believe Britain should prioritize trade with its European countries rather than with the US under Donald Trump’s leadership.
Voters who switched from the Tories to Labour in the last election revealed a stronger preference for closer trade relations with the EU.
Two-thirds of Labour voters in the last election (66%) think the government should prioritise trade with the EU, while only 9% back the US.
Is the UK ready to prioritize EU trade amid Trump’s tariff threats?
The survey findings come just days after Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as the 47th president, where he promised to introduce tariffs on both China and the EU.
The British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has rejected the notion that the UK needs to make a choice between trade deals, describing it as “plain wrong.” However, Rachel Reeves expressed on Sunday that the government is open to exploring a tariff-free trade deal with Europe.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, stated that the government is willing to consider the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) and any proposals that align with its “red lines” of avoiding a return to the EU.
The remarks by the Chancellor are significant, considering Keir Starmer’s government has been reluctant to accelerate EU relations, fearing it could support reform among Brexit supporters.
What did Naomi Smith say about UK trade priorities?
Naomi Smith, CEO of Best for Britain, stated, “Trade doesn’t have to be either/or but it’s clear that when it comes to priorities, from Cairnryan to Clacton and Newport to Newcastle, Britain wants a closer relationship with the EU first.”
Referring to Trump’s potential tariffs, Ms Smith urged the British government to focus on EU trade over other deals. She argued that this approach would help meet growth targets, reduce cost rises for UK consumers, and support British businesses.
What is Praful Nargund, director of the Good Growth Foundation’s stance on EU relations?
Praful Nargund, who was also Labour’s candidate in the last election, stated, “If we’re serious about fixing our economic stagnation, the EU cannot be sidelined. This problem has always been a political one at its heart.”
He believes that close ties with the EU, if they align with the public’s priorities, could prove politically beneficial rather than disastrous.On Sunday, newly elected president Donald Trump showed his willingness to continue strong relations with the UK, praising Keir Starmer for his ‘very good job’ and stating that they would hold a phone call within the next 24 hours.
What did the EU trade chief say about the UK’s trade prospects, and what did Donald Trump say about Keir Starmer?
Earlier this week, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic proposed that the UK could join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, a move that would enable tariff-free trade within Europe and several North African and Levantine nations.
On Sunday, newly elected president Donald Trump showed his willingness to continue strong relations with the UK, praising Keir Starmer for his ‘very good job’ and stating that they would hold a phone call within the next 24 hours.
Mr Trump stated, “I get along with him well. I like him a lot.”
