Beyond Brexit: Public perspectives on the future UK-EU relationship

This report examines public attitudes towards the future relationship between the UK and the EU, on issues including European and British identity and values, support or opposition to a closer future relationship with the EU in a range of areas, and interest in exchange programmes and events. It presents some important evidence about how UK political leaders and policymakers could achieve constructive engagement with the question of the future relationship in ways that could have broad public resonance and appeal, including across party political and referendum divides. We used three research methods: an evidence review, a nationally representative survey of 2000 people, carried out by Focaldata, and 12 focus groups in London, Peterborough and Manchester. The research was carried out during June and September 2023. This study, carried out by the thinktank British Future, forms part of a wider project – Our Common Ground – to promote strengthening connections between UK and EU citizens and building a constructive UK-EU relationship.