Since the UK left the European Union life for British expats has become increasingly complicated, challenging and costly - so much so some have left Mallorca and Spain. A YouGov survey last year revealed that majorities in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain would support the UK rejoining the European Union, but not on the same terms it previously enjoyed (e.g., opt-outs from the euro or Schengen area). The poll also indicated that a clear majority of British voters backed rejoining, but only if they can keep their opt-outs, creating a ‘public opinion impasse.’
The survey also found significant support in continental countries for an independent Scotland joining the EU. YouGov polling has long since shown that the public are ‘Bregretful’ about that outcome, with the latest survey showing 56% think it was wrong for Britain to vote to leave the EU. And a recent survey carried out by the Bulletin online has dissevered that nearly 66% of readers who took part in the survey agree that the UK rejoin the European Union.
Last month, the Spanish Prime Minister has expressed his desire for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European project. But, the European Union (EU) is demanding that any future British government pay financial compensation if it decides to abandon a possible agreement to “reset” relations after Brexit, which Brussels is negotiating with Keir Starmer’s Labour government, according to the Financial Times.
According to a draft of the pact accessed by the newspaper, the European Commission has included a termination clause that would require the UK to pay a hefty restitution if it chooses to withdraw from a proposed veterinary agreement between London and Brussels, aimed at removing bureaucratic barriers to trade in food and beverages after Britain’s departure from the bloc.
However, most Britons say that Brexit has been more of a failure than a success (61%), with 20% saying it has neither been a success nor failure and 13% seeing it as more of a success. But who do those Britons who see Brexit as a failure blame for this? The Conservative party and Boris Johnson top the list, with 88% and 84% respectively laying the blame at their door.
Two thirds attribute blame to prime ministers Theresa May (66%) and Rishi Sunak (64%), with a similar number saying so for Nigel Farage (67%). One in three (37%) blame the European Union for Brexit going badly, including 60% of Leave voters. Keir Starmer (28%) and Labour (39%) come in for less blame, as do the UK civil service (30%).
According to YouGov, with Brexit widely seen as having been more of a failure, it is no surprise to see that almost two thirds of Britons now want to see a closer relationship with the European Union (65%) – a stance that is popular across all main parties (51-78%), as well as among Leave voters (60%). One of the big problems for Britons in Mallorca and across the EU has been the 90-day rule, especialy for second home owners.