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... It would be remiss to reflect on just how much public opinion has shifted since
2019 without talking about the subject which dominated that campaign. As
Rachel Wolf and Anand Menon show, few voters have changed their minds
The State of Public Opinion: 2023 7
about Brexit. The referendum and the identities it crystalized persist. Professors
Sara Hobolt and James Tilley show just how strongly ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’
identities are still held, with a consequent impact on how voters interpret the
effects of Brexit. John Curtice similarly outlines how voters view the economic
consequences of Brexit. The public is pessimistic overall, but there is a clear
difference between Leavers and Remainers.
Equally striking is the issue’s lack of salience. What was once biggest political
debate of the day does not now figure in the top ten issues prioritised by
the public. Even the most ardent Leavers and Remainers want to talk about
something else. This is one reason why none of the major national parties is
anxious to make the future of the UK-EU relationship an electoral issue....
more at UKand EU