New polling suggests that nearly four in 10 supporters of Brexit want the UK to strengthen its defense ties with Europe. The survey, conducted by Savanta and commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found that half of all voters believe stronger security links with European allies should be a priority. In contrast, only one in 10 think the UK should focus more on cooperation with the United States. The findings were released as the Liberal Democrats began their annual conference in Brighton, where they argued that global threats from figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have made current Brexit policies risky for national security. Andy Burnham, the UK’s Prime Minister, has committed to maintaining Sir Keir Starmer’s stance of not rejoining the EU’s customs union, single market, or allowing free movement of people—despite wanting to reset relations with Europe. The Liberal Democrats criticized this position, calling it a risk to national security and urging the government to pursue a “Growth and Defence Partnership” with Europe. This would involve joining the single market and creating a new security council to protect the UK’s borders and boost industries like shipbuilding and aerospace. The poll also found that 25% of Reform UK voters support strengthening defense links with European allies. Al Pinkerton, the Liberal Democrats’ Europe spokesperson, argued that rebuilding defense and trade ties with Europe is the most significant step the government could take to boost economic growth and national security. He urged the government to consider a “Growth and Defence Partnership” that includes a new UK-EU defense pact and UK membership in the single market. Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces increasing pressure to reconsider his adherence to Sir Keir Starmer’s Brexit red lines. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said Burnham should not be constrained by these policies and suggested that many who “love their country” would support rejoining the European Union. Former Conservative chancellor George Osborne also warned that the UK’s economy has suffered significantly since Brexit and that rejoining the EU’s customs union would be the fastest path to recovery. Professor Sir John Curtice, a leading polling expert, noted that support for rejoining the EU is now at its highest level since the Brexit vote. However, he cautioned that political leaders must act on this sentiment, or the opportunity could be lost. The Savanta poll, conducted between 4 and 7 September, surveyed 2,376 UK adults. A government spokesperson said that the UK is working closely with European allies to enhance security and promote economic growth, emphasizing the importance of a strong relationship with the EU in the current global climate.