As the clock struck 11 pm on 31 January 2020, a significant chapter in British history closed when the United Kingdom formally parted ways with the European Union. This momentous decision made the UK the first—and so far only—member state to exit the bloc, reshaping the political landscape of Europe.
The departure initiated a “transition period” lasting 11 months, during which the UK continued to participate in the single market and customs union. Yet, it was no longer a voice in the EU’s political chambers. The consequences of this moment have echoed through households and businesses across the nation.
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Sentiments on Brexit
Fast forward five years, and opinions about Brexit are far from unanimous. Recent polling data courtesy of YouGov reveals a shift in the public’s perspective: 55% now consider the decision to leave the EU a misstep, while only 30% stand by it as the right choice. Notably, within the younger demographic—those aged 18 to 24—an overwhelming 75% view the exit unfavorably. It begs the question: what led to such a dramatic change in sentiment?
Alongside this shift, a solid 64% of Britons express a desire for a closer relationship with the EU, albeit without rejoining any political frameworks. This yearning for connection exists despite a palpable reluctance among political leaders to revisit the referendum results, with discussions pivoting instead toward “resetting” current relations with the EU.
Impacts on Business
Some industries have navigated the post-Brexit landscape more successfully than others. Take, for example, the horticulture sector, where disruptions have been felt acutely. The Horticultural Trade Association reports that its members continue to grapple with soaring costs, unexpected delays, product damage, and a surge in bureaucracy—each of these challenges compounding the hardships faced since the split.
Consider Paolo Arrigo, the owner of Seeds of Italy in northwest London. He embodies the struggles many small businesses encounter. “I should definitely have more money in my bank account than I do now,” he reflects. “I’ve had to spend loads on testing and dealing with red tape… Britain no longer recognizes the phytosanitary certificate or the European organic certificate. This has created a multitude of problems.”
Painfully, over the past year, he has had to destroy £11,000 worth of tomato seeds due to import difficulties. Given the adversities, Arrigo longs for changes that would reduce trade barriers in a sector he feels is often sidelined.
Understanding Brexit’s Narrative
In the heat of discussions, the think-tank UK in a Changing Europe recently unveiled a comprehensive study examining Brexit’s inception, negotiation process, and its long-term impacts. Anand Menon, the think-tank’s director, highlights that Brexit was inherently an ongoing affair rather than a singular event. Instead of resolving issues, it has necessitated a continuous dialogue with the EU.
In particular, the research sheds light on the complexities surrounding the Northern Ireland border, indicating a potential increase in tension as the UK diverges from EU regulations. Menon aptly points out that such divergence doesn’t have to trigger political crises, but it must be anticipated and managed. Reflecting on the five-year mark since the exit, he poses a pertinent question: What trade-offs have been made in pursuit of Brexit?
“On one hand, we’ve regained control over our laws and immigration policy, which for some was worth the economic costs,” he elaborates. “Yet, here’s the irony: For many who voted to reduce immigration, the unexpected twist is that net immigration has more than doubled since the referendum.”
Amid such contradictions, an interesting dynamic emerges: while media outlets clamoring for clicks often lean on Brexit as a headline, major political parties like Labour and the Conservatives tend to shy away from extensive discussions, deeming the topic too divisive.
Calls for a New Customs Union
In a twist of the political narrative, Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey has recently urged the government to explore the possibility of forming a new customs union with the EU. He argues that with the current U.S. President not being a reliable ally on security or economic matters, the UK must rethink its relations strategically.
Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, added that pursuing a customs union would inject urgency into ongoing negotiations. “The lack of progress on straightforward agreements—like the European youth mobility scheme—is disheartening,” he stated, expressing belief that such agreements could foster goodwill and signal a genuine intent to reset relations with the EU.
While Labour appears hesitant to fully rejoin the customs union, the notion of improving ties is at the forefront of governmental discussions. During a recent speech, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized that it is crucial for national interests to enhance relationships with the EU—our nearest and largest trading partner. But will these discussions yield real change, or merely offer a façade of progress?
Moving forward, the future of UK-EU relations remains uncertain. The lessons learned over these past five years are invaluable, and it remains to be seen how they will guide the next steps. In a world where dialogues are often fraught with division, finding common ground may be the key to shaping a prosperous post-Brexit landscape.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
