What does the British public think about sovereignty?
Many polls have shown public dissatisfaction with Brexit. However, few polls ask about core beliefs about sovereignty (where policy decisions should be taken). A QMUL poll explored 20 policy areas previously under EU competence, and asked the public if they preferred those policies being decided at a national or supranational level. National preference dominated the responses.
Who should read this brief?
This briefing should be read by all those interested in understanding public attitudes about the desirable balance of policy competences between the UK and international bodies. It will also appeal to those interested in questions about UK sovereignty and international co-operation.
About the researcher
Dr Richard Johnson is Senior Lecturer in Politics at QMUL. He is editor (with Yuan Yi Zhu) of Sceptical Perspectives on the Changing Constitution of the United Kingdom (Hart, 2023) and Strengthening the Political Constitution (Policy Exchange, 2025). He is author (with Mark Garnett, Gavin Hyman) of Keeping the Red Flag Flying: The Labour Party in Opposition since 1922 (Polity, 2024).
Be the next author
Are you an academic at Queen Mary and want to share your research insights in a brief? Contact the Impact Team.