Reform UK’s Election Success Wasn’t About Blocking Closer EU Ties, Poll Says

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Reform UK’s success in the local elections does not suggest voters are opposed to closer ties with the EU, according to pollsters.Nigel Farage’s party overturned a huge Labour majority in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election today, winning narrowly with just six votes.Reform has secured its first ever mayor in Greater Lincolnshire and taken full control of three councils, too, as it eats into both the Tory and Labour support. Reform used to be known as the Brexit Party, while Farage is also a former leader of the Eurosceptic UK Independence Party.But the growing support for the populist movement does not reflect Brits’ thoughts on partnership with the EU, according to a campaign group.A poll of more than 4,000 people conducted by YouGov on behalf of pro-Europe movement Best for Britain in April found those who supported Reform in the July 2024 election still want to deepen ties with the EU.Seven in 10 (70%) of those surveyed want the government to remove trade barriers with the EU.Respondents also wanted greater cooperation with the bloc to tackle crime (80%) and reduce illegal channel crossings (81%).Half said they are in favour of a new defence pact with the EU (52%) and a Youth Mobility Scheme (49%).Best for Britain also found 53% of Labour voters now considering voting Reform still back closer alignment with the EU for the sake of the economy.Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, said voters moved towards Farage because of Keir Starmer’s welfare cuts and the reduction to winter fuel payments – not because of Euroscepticism.She said: “On the doorstep cutting PIP and winter fuel payments are the reasons voters gave for abandoning Labour, who themselves stated growth is their top priority. “The UK-EU Summit is just weeks away, and this election result should serve as a reminder of why Keir Starmer must secure a common sense deal with Europe that ends the doom loop of economic stagnation, restores public service funding and tackles inflation.“That’s what voters will reward at the next election.”Related...Brits Demand Closer Ties With Europe To Counter Donald Trump's TariffsReform UK's First Mayor Walks Away From Sky News Interview In Clash Over 'Appropriate' PoliticsSavage Blow For Keir Starmer As Reform Stun Labour To Win Runcorn By-Election

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