Brexit's Legacy: A Decade of Disappointment and Division

The Brexit debate itself was marked by deep internal divisions across the political spectrum, from the capitalist class and the Conservative Party to the Labour Party and its traditional working-class supporters. The UK Independence Party (UKIP), under Nigel Farage, capitalized on nationalist sentiment, while a minority 'Lexit' position on the far left argued for leaving on democratic grounds.

Despite the Leave campaign's victory by over 1.2 million votes, the promised economic benefits have not materialized, with the UK economy shrinking. However, the article notes that the EU, particularly Germany, has also faced economic difficulties. Both Britain and the EU are described as experiencing low growth, increased repression, and a trend towards rearmament, suggesting a shared trajectory.

The legacy of Brexit includes a polarized political landscape that has amplified the influence of the far right in the UK. While a majority now express a desire to rejoin the EU, the author suggests any future referendum would be as contentious as the original, with no serious political force having changed its fundamental stance. The article posits that the underlying issues of discontent in the UK are rooted in neoliberal policies rather than Brexit itself, which served to mask these deeper problems.