Britain marks ten years since Brexit amid growing voter regret
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A decade after the 2016 referendum, polls show a majority of Britons would support rejoining the EU, and many former Leave voters cite economic hardship and lost market access.
Ten years after the June 2016 referendum, residents of Blackpool, a town that recorded the region's strongest pro-Brexit vote, say the promised benefits have not materialised. A poll commissioned by a leading UK polling firm found that 56% of the electorate would now vote to rejoin the European Union, including 22% of those who originally voted to leave.
Local business owners describe the impact of reduced access to European markets. Rob Benson, who ran a shellfish operation that generated $4 million annually before the vote, said the company collapsed after new trade barriers were introduced. He told reporters, "I actually voted to leave, but we were never told the truth about the consequences. It's too late now."
Economic analysts cited by the Confederation of British Industry estimate that the UK economy has shrunk by about 8% since Brexit was enacted. Henry Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said, "The economic evidence is clear that businesses have suffered from lack of access to European markets, and the new trade barriers have held back growth."
Political scientists also comment on the broader effects. Dimitris Papadimitriou, a professor at the University of Manchester, described the outcome as "a tremendous act of self-harm" that has diminished Britain's standing as a first-class power.
Local officials highlight the loss of EU funding for infrastructure projects. Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, noted that the town missed out on European money intended for seafront improvements, forcing the council to seek alternative grants.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, now a columnist, reiterated his support for the decision, stating that the British people were "heroic and magnificent" in choosing independence. Meanwhile, some former Leave supporters, such as Benson, say they would welcome re-entry to the EU if the opportunity arose.
The political landscape remains unsettled following the recent resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leaving the future direction of UK-EU relations uncertain.