Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
#Labour #Brexit #Remainers #Leavers #Sir John Curtice #voter demographics #political realignment
📌 Key Takeaways
- Labour's Brexit strategy now targets Remainers more than Leavers.
- Sir John Curtice attributes this shift to changing voter demographics and priorities.
- The party aims to address post-Brexit economic concerns to win over former Remain voters.
- This realignment reflects broader political adjustments since the 2016 referendum.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Brexit, Political Strategy
📚 Related People & Topics
Brexit
Withdrawal of the UK from the EU
Brexit (; a portmanteau of "Britain" and "Exit") was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU). Brexit took place at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020 (00:00 1 February 2020 CET). The UK, which joined the EU precursor, the European Communities (EC), on 1 January 1973, is the ...
Glossary of Brexit terms
In the wake of the referendum held in the United Kingdom on 23 June 2016, many new pieces of Brexit-related jargon entered popular use. The word "Brexit" was named as Word of the Year 2016 by the publishers of Collins English Dictionary.
John Curtice
British political scientist (born 1953)
Sir John Kevin Curtice (born 10 December 1953) is a British political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research. He is particularly interested in electoral behaviour and researching political and social ...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This analysis matters because it reveals a strategic pivot in British politics that could reshape electoral dynamics and post-Brexit policy. Labour's shift from targeting Leave voters to focusing on Remain supporters reflects changing public sentiment about Brexit's outcomes and demographic shifts in key constituencies. This affects political strategists, voters in marginal seats, and businesses seeking policy stability, while indicating how major parties might approach EU relations in future elections.
Context & Background
- The UK voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum with 51.9% supporting Leave
- Labour under Jeremy Corbyn faced criticism for an ambiguous Brexit stance that alienated both Remain and Leave voters
- The 2019 general election saw the Conservative Party win a large majority with a 'Get Brexit Done' message that captured Leave voters
- Since Brexit implementation, polls have shown increasing public dissatisfaction with Brexit outcomes, particularly regarding economic impacts
- Labour's current leadership under Keir Starmer has sought to distance the party from the Corbyn era while rebuilding its electoral coalition
What Happens Next
Labour will likely intensify outreach to Remain-leaning constituencies ahead of the next general election, potentially proposing closer EU alignment in areas like trade and security. The Conservative Party may counter by emphasizing sovereignty benefits of Brexit while addressing economic concerns. Expect increased debate about UK-EU relationship renegotiation possibilities, particularly if Labour gains power and seeks to reduce trade barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Labour has shifted focus because polling shows declining satisfaction with Brexit outcomes, particularly among younger and urban voters who predominantly supported Remain. Demographic changes and electoral calculations suggest targeting disaffected Remain voters in marginal seats offers better electoral returns than trying to win back traditional Labour voters who strongly supported Leave.
This shift suggests a future Labour government would likely seek closer cooperation with the EU, though not full re-entry. Expect potential renegotiation of trade agreements, increased regulatory alignment in specific sectors, and more collaborative approaches to security and immigration, while maintaining fundamental Brexit red lines like freedom of movement.
This strategic shift could help Labour consolidate support in metropolitan areas and among younger voters while risking further alienation in traditional 'Red Wall' constituencies that strongly supported Brexit. The election may become a referendum on Brexit implementation quality rather than the original Leave/Remain divide, with parties competing on who can best manage the post-Brexit relationship.
Labour faces the challenge of appealing to Remain voters without appearing to reverse Brexit entirely, which could alienate moderate Leave supporters. They must also address economic concerns from Brexit while avoiding reopening divisive constitutional debates, and balance internationalist aspirations with domestic policy priorities in a cost-of-living crisis.