Key facts
- A decade after the Brexit referendum, the UK is preparing for its seventh Prime Minister.
- The Brexit vote in 2016 resulted in a 52%-48% decision to leave the EU.
- Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation after two years in office.
- The political fallout from Brexit has led to a 'revolving door' of leadership in Downing Street.
- Promoters of Brexit promised 'control' over laws, economy, and borders.
- The UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020, followed by an 11-month transition period.
A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the country's political landscape remains fractured, characterized by frequent leadership changes and persistent challenges, according to European media outlets. The Brexit referendum, held on June 23, 2016, saw 52% vote to leave the bloc after more than four decades of membership.
David Cameron, the Conservative Prime Minister who called the referendum, resigned the day after the vote. His successors have largely struggled to manage the consequences of the split. The most recent leader, Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced his departure after two years, citing a slow economy, a dysfunctional government, and a divided electorate, all partly attributed to Brexit's legacy.
Academic Chris Grey noted that the "mark of Brexit" continues to permeate British politics, making it increasingly chaotic. The campaign for Brexit promised the UK would "take back control" of its laws, economy, and borders, appealing to emotions and a sense of nostalgia for a past era, as highlighted by historian Margaret MacMillan.
The promises of Brexit supporters regarding immigration control, trade deals, and reduced EU regulations have clashed with the realities of implementing the departure. Theresa May, Cameron's successor, resigned in 2019 after failing to gain parliamentary approval for her exit terms. Boris Johnson, who pledged to "complete Brexit," secured a basic trade agreement, but his premiership ended amid scandals. Liz Truss's tenure lasted only 49 days, and her successor, Rishi Sunak, has focused on improving relations with the EU without significant policy shifts.
Starmer had aimed for a "reset" but ruled out rejoining the EU's single market. Historian Anthony Seldon suggested that Cameron's hope of resolving the long-standing debate over Europe within the Conservative Party was not realized, as divisions persist. The Conservative Party itself fractured during the divorce negotiations, expelling members who favored a softer Brexit. The Labour Party also faces internal divisions regarding closer ties with the EU. Millions of voters have moved away from the two major parties, supporting alternatives like the Green Party and the ultranationalist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.