A recent YouGov poll commissioned by Best for Britain highlights a nationwide preference for prioritising trade with the European Union over the United States and other countries. The survey, conducted with nearly 15,000 respondents across England, Scotland, and Wales, found that 46% of participants believe the EU should be the UK government’s top trade focus, compared to 22% favoring the US.
Smaller percentages indicated preferences for other trading partners, with 6% prioritizing non-EU and non-US countries, and 4% supporting trade with China.
Consistent Support Across Political Lines
The results show a striking consensus across constituencies, including those represented by Reform UK MPs following the 2024 general election. In Clacton, for example, where Reform UK leader Nigel Farage serves as MP, 33% of respondents support prioritizing EU trade compared to 30% who favor the US.
Labour voters demonstrated an even stronger preference for EU trade relations, with 66% indicating it as their priority. Additionally, 57% of voters who switched from the Conservative Party to Labour in 2024 echoed this sentiment.
Brexit, Trade, and Global Shifts
The findings come as the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit trade policies. The recent inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who has proposed new tariffs on imports, underscores the urgency for Britain to strengthen its trade ties with Europe.
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, emphasised the public’s clear message in a statement to The Guardian:
“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.”
A Call for Strategic Focus
This polling data reinforces the widespread desire for a renewed emphasis on EU trade relations, transcending political and regional divides. With economic challenges and shifting global alliances, the UK government faces a clear public mandate to prioritize its relationship with European neighbors.
For more information on the survey, visit Best for Britain.
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By Raza Hussain | Recently featured in The Telegraph, The i Paper, POLITICO Europe and Tim Walker’s column | Editor of www.NewsLeaf.com | Currently a Senior Advisor at a think tank and a foundation | Former social media officer at Gina Miller’s True & Fair Party | Extra-Mile Winner of the Newsquest Young Reporter Scheme (2014) | Talent for Writing certificate by Young Writers (2015) | Travel blogger | Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Sociology (2019) | Social media PR and political communication
