Key facts
- Britain is set to have its seventh prime minister since the 2016 Brexit referendum.
- The UK voted 52%-48% to leave the European Union a decade ago.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on June 22, 2026.
- Recent polls suggest a majority of Britons would now favor rejoining the EU.
- Brexit's consequences continue to impact the UK's economy and political landscape.
A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the country's political landscape remains deeply fractured and unstable, marked by frequent leadership changes and ongoing challenges. Britain is on track to have its seventh prime minister since the June 23, 2016 referendum.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, citing a sluggish economy, a malfunctioning government, and a divided electorate, all legacies of Brexit. Academic Chris Grey noted that the "subterranean trace of Brexit" continues to permeate British politics.
The "leave" campaign promised to restore control over laws, economy, and borders. However, the realities of implementing Brexit led to acrimonious divorce talks and a trade deal that left UK-EU relations strained. Several prime ministers, including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, have grappled with managing Brexit's fallout.
Brexit has also fractured major political parties, with millions of voters shifting allegiance to smaller parties. Nigel Farage's Reform UK, focused on an anti-immigration message, currently leads in opinion polls.
The economy has struggled with new trade barriers with the EU, though other global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have also contributed to low growth. Public trust in politicians has declined, and cynicism has grown.
Polls suggest a growing sentiment of "Bregret," with a majority of Britons now favoring rejoining the EU. However, politicians remain hesitant to revisit the issue, fearing a "minefield."