Brexit question not yet settled, says polling guru

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November 03, 2022 View in browser Poll finds 14-point lead for rejoining EU, as Northern Ireland parties condemn election 'chaos' Rishi Sunak is under pressure to deliver protocol compromise deal. PA Wire/PA Images Regrets, we've had a few. Some Tories regret getting rid of Boris Johnson after all the recent turmoil. His (eventual) successor Rishi Sunak is in full "je regette tout" mode, U-turning on everything from fracking to retained. EU law – admitting every manifesto pledge is now reversible. But one of the big political regrets of 2022 appears to be Brexit. Polling legend Sir John Curtice said Brexit is now less popular than at any point since 2016. A new survey shows support for re-joining the EU at 57 to 43 per cent. Curtice said it looks as though the big 2016 referendum would be as "unsuccessful" as the 1975 common market referendum in providing a permanent settlement to the Europe question. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland remains permanently unsettled. NI secretary Chris Heaton-Harris was accused of sowing "chaos" after he failed to set a date for a winter election, despite the deadline for the resumption of powersharing at Stormont passing. The DUP said more talks were "pointless", as all the parties urged Heaton-Harris to hurry up and get it over with it. The Brexit Headlines  'Chaos': Minister criticised for failing to set election date Chris Heaton-Harris was accused of sowing "chaos" after he failed to set a date for a snap election. Sinn Fein said it was "bizarre U-turn". The DUP said talks were pointless. Re-joining EU takes record 14-point lead in latest poll Britons would vote to rejoin the EU in another referendum by a record 14-point margin. A poll found support for reversing Brexit is at 57 per cent compared to 43 per cent who want to keep it. Sunak 'eases off' on Rees-Mogg's bonfire of EU laws The PM is considering downgrading Jacob Rees Mogg's plan for a "bonfire" of all retained EU law. Sunak is said to have been told it would take 400 staff to axe thousands of regulations. Opinion of the week Cabinet minister Michael Gove: "On balance, Brexit has been a significant success for this country." STAT OF THE WEEK 61% Proportion of small firms hit by Brexit customs delays and tariffs What you might have missed Brexit now is "less popular" than it has been at any point since June 2016, says polling guru Sir John Curtice. Rishi Sunak has scrapped plans to axe 91,000 civil service jobs after numbers were boosted to deliver Brexit and fight Covid. One in five small UK exporters are unable to trade with the EU because of Brexit, said the British Chambers of Commerce. Dozens of vital laws protecting animals are at risk because of the Brexit "bonfire" of EU law, the RSPCA has warned. US Senator George Mitchell called for a "practical, workable" way to solve the protocol row and restore power-sharing. Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations EU referendum has failed to settle Brexit question, says polling guru Articles available exclusively to subscribers From Brexit to the cost of living crisis – businesses have had it tough OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.