University of Birmingham

British nationals living in the European Union (EU) and EU nationals resident in the UK have an enduring attachment to the EU and its core values such as freedom, peace and unity - six years after the Brexit referendum, a new survey reveals.

Three quarters of respondents report they are either extremely (36%) or very (39%) attached to the EU. Sentiments are less intense when it comes to their countries of origin and residence, with most feeling only ‘moderate’ attachment.

Brexit brought the end of freedom of movement for these populations, but also redefined their status and rights in their countries of residence. The UK’s departure from the EU also changed their political participation, both formally and informally.

For two thirds of respondents, Brexit gave a shared cause to mobilise around and made the EU a focal point of identification. The responses of two survey participants exemplify the impact of Brexit on how the EU is perceived:

“I didn't really think about it before. It was just there - benign, peaceful and optimistic, holding all the countries of Europe together and providing wonderful opportunities for travel and work. Since Britain left, I feel bereft and also angry at having my EU citizenship removed.“ (British woman living in Ireland, 60s)

“I feel more European than Italian. I have always believed in Europe, but after Brexit and all its consequences, my support and sense of belonging has grown a lot more.” (Italian citizen living in the UK, non-binary, 40s)

Researchers at the Universities of Birmingham and Lancaster found that Brexit motivated changes in both formal political participation and active citizenship among respondents, but questions remain over how this might be sustained in the longer term given the changing context and political agenda.

Professor Nando Sigona from the University of Birmingham and co-author of the report commented: “In the UK, citizens of EU member states who previously may have identified more strongly with their country of origin found, as a result of Brexit, a common denominator in their shared EU citizenship and made this a core element of their campaigning for citizens’ rights.”

Professor Michaela Benson from Lancaster University and co-author of the report says: “While no longer EU citizens in name, and without formal political rights in this area, what this report makes visible is that British citizens living in the EU remain active participants in the European project. Their sense of being European flavours their political actions and practices.”

Dr Catherine Craven from the University of Birmingham and co-author of the report explains: “The survey shows that people want a say in how their lives are governed, even if their lives span across national boundaries. Brexit has amplified the gap between desires and opportunities for civic engagement and participation beyond borders.”

For those British citizens lost the right to vote in the UK because they had been living abroad for 15 years or more, these changes brought complete disenfranchisement, with neither political representation nor routes to political participation.

“I can't vote in any elections now. It used to be I could at least vote in EU and local council elections, but all that has gone. It feels like I am taxed without any form of representation.” (British-Australian man in Austria, 40s)

“I am no longer entitled to vote in my country of residence, thanks to Brexit. I am no longer able to exercise my right to vote in the UK - I am no longer on the electoral roll. Before Brexit I had the right to vote in both countries - now I have none!“ (British woman in France, 60s)