Key facts
- Two brothers, Nigel and Ian Baxter, who had opposing stances on Brexit, are both disappointed a decade after the UK's departure from the EU.
- Nigel Baxter, who campaigned for Brexit, believes the promised economic benefits like deregulation and tax cuts have not been realized.
- Ian Baxter, who supported remaining in the EU, notes that while there haven't been catastrophic consequences, selling goods to the EU has become more difficult for UK companies.
- Ian's logistics business has expanded by providing customs services to assist UK firms with EU trade.
- A recent YouGov poll shows that almost 60% of Britons now believe the decision to leave the EU was incorrect.
- Brexit remains a relevant issue in UK politics, particularly in potential leadership contests within the Labour Party.
A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, two brothers in Nottingham, England, who held opposing views on the matter, are both expressing disappointment with the outcome.
Nigel Baxter, who owns a commercial vehicles business and campaigned for Brexit, stated that the promised deregulation, tax cuts, and inward investment have not materialized. He attributes this to a lack of dynamism from the government, lamenting that the country has failed to capitalize on the "monumental" decision.
His brother, Ian Baxter, who runs a logistics company and advocated for remaining in the EU, acknowledged that while there have been no "catastrophic consequences" from leaving, it has become significantly harder for British companies to sell goods to the EU, the UK's largest trading partner.
Ironically, Ian's logistics business has grown due to Brexit, as he established a unit to provide customs services to help UK companies trade with the EU. However, he expressed that this growth comes at the expense of his customers' trade, stating, "My view is still it should never have become more complicated."
A YouGov poll released on June 9 indicated that almost six in 10 people now believe Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU. The 52% who voted for Brexit in 2016 have found out they were "sold a dream," Ian said.
While the brothers, who also support rival football teams, have maintained a close relationship, the wider country experienced significant division during the Brexit debate. Today, the mood is more muted, but concerns about living standards, public services, and migration persist.
For Ian, Brexit remains a prominent issue and has re-emerged as a factor in potential leadership contests within the governing Labour Party. He is pleased the current government is seeking closer EU relations but rejects the idea of rejoining the bloc on less favorable terms, doubting such a "sweetheart deal" would be offered again.