Dear John,

We know most of our supporters agree that, faced with an incoming Trump administration and increasingly volatile global trading environment, the UK's future lies with Europe.

But we didn't know if the country thought the same. Until now.

We've conducted a major new poll with YouGov, which has revealed twice as many voters think the UK should prioritise trade with the EU over the USA.

Here’s what the poll tells us:

• 44% of people want the UK to focus on increasing trade with the EU, while only 19% think we should prioritise the USA.
• When it comes to trust, 49% of people say they trust the EU, while just 30% trust the USA.
• 66% of Brits say the EU shares similar values to the UK — a much higher number than those who feel the same about the USA.
• Voters who switched from the Conservatives to Labour in 2024 are even more emphatic in supporting closer ties with the EU.

This doesn’t mean choosing between the EU and the US, it just means prioritising Europe. Because when it comes to trade, proximity matters. People across the UK recognise that a closer relationship with the EU is crucial for our economic growth as a country, and putting more money in all our pockets. From this poll, it's clear the government has a mandate to strengthen ties with the EU and break down trade barriers.

Boris Johnson's disastrous Brexit deal is up for review in 2026. We have just over a year to persuade the government of the tangible steps they can take to start fixing the problems Britain faces after Brexit. 

Best for Britain will bring the drive, the campaigns, the action. And we'll be backed by hard research and evidence. In 2025, the UK Trade and Business Commission is coming back after a short election hiatus, bringing together a cross-party, cross-industry expert group to help find solutions to the problems businesses face after Brexit.

Let's start 2025 by putting the warm words of a 'relationship reset' into action. Businesses have long been clear that this is a priority for them - and our new poll shows it's the public's priority too.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith
CEO
Best for Britain

P.S. Want to know more about the UK Trade and Business Commission? Check out our FAQs.