Megapoll finds backing EU rejoin could boost Labour by seven points as cabinet urges Burnham to proceed with caution
From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.
Andy Burnham, Prime Minister, whose cabinet is split over EU rejoining, with senior ministers warning there is 'no appetite' in Britain or Europe to reopen Brexit wounds.
A Messina Group poll shows that close to half of all voters back Andy Burnham's personal preference to rejoin the EU, with Labour's vote share potentially jumping by up to seven points if Burnham leads a campaign for re-entry in a new referendum. Burnham launched a review of Britain's future relationship with Europe at Labour conference and has since said the options should include full membership. Around two-thirds of cabinet ministers are reported to be uneasy about the move, privately counselling restraint amid fears of reopening Brexit divisions.
About a third of voters say an in-out referendum would be necessary, while over one in six believe a general election mandate alone would suffice.
Burnham faces an internal revolt after attributing the small boats crisis to Brexit, a position that directly contradicts Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who told MPs Brexit is not responsible for Channel crossings.
