Poll: Majority in Northern Ireland View Brexit as Failure, Fear UK Break-up

A recent opinion poll conducted by LucidTalk for Queen’s University Belfast reveals that over 70% of people in Northern Ireland consider Brexit a failure rather than a success. Notably, this sentiment includes 60% of those who originally voted to Leave the EU. The survey indicates that two-thirds of respondents believe Brexit has increased the likelihood of the United Kingdom breaking up. Additionally, public understanding of the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit trade deal, is declining, with only 46% viewing it positively, the lowest level since June 2021. Despite this, perceptions of its economic impact remain somewhat positive. The data highlights deep political divisions, with half of voters still defining their identity strongly by their Brexit stance. Trust in both Conservative and Reform-led UK governments to protect Northern Ireland’s interests is low, while the SDLP emerges as the most trusted party regarding the Windsor Framework. Furthermore, a majority of respondents support closer ties with the EU, with 57% favoring the UK rejoining the bloc. These findings underscore growing dissatisfaction with current arrangements and highlight the complex political landscape in Northern Ireland ten years after the initial referendum.