Ten years since Brexit vote, UK public opinion shifts

Tuesday marks the tenth anniversary of the United Kingdom's seismic decision to leave the European Union. On June 23, 2016, a narrow majority of 51.9% of voters opted for "Brexit" in a referendum that has since reshaped the nation's political and economic landscape.

The UK formally exited the EU at the end of 2020, followed by its departure from the Customs Union and the EU's internal market in 2021. Proponents of Brexit had argued that leaving the bloc would allow Britain to regain control over its borders, manage migration, and conduct foreign trade without interference from Brussels.

However, the post-Brexit reality has presented a complex picture. The UK has experienced a widening trade deficit, and contrary to expectations of reduced immigration, the country has seen a significant increase in migrants arriving from non-EU nations. Net migration reached a peak of 900,000 in the twelve months leading up to mid-2023, although more recent figures show a decrease to 204,000.

Recent sentiment suggests a shift in public opinion. A new poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that 57% of Britons now consider the UK's withdrawal from the EU a mistake. Furthermore, three-quarters of the British public now favor closer ties with the European Union, raising questions about the long-term implications and potential future adjustments to the UK's relationship with the continent.