Ten years after the 2016 EU referendum, a new poll of 10,000 Britons reveals that 55% would now vote to rejoin the European Union, with only 32% favouring staying out. The findings, published by Metro, come as the nation reflects on the impact of Brexit across key policy areas.
Food Prices: A Broken Promise
One of the easiest promises to assess is cheaper food, which never materialised. While Brexit is not the sole cause of rising grocery costs, economists agree that new trade barriers have added costs for importers and retailers. Combined with Covid, war, and inflation, food prices have soared. Score: 2/10.
The Economy: Mixed Results
Britain avoided the immediate post-referendum recession many predicted. However, most major forecasters believe the economy is smaller than it would have been without Brexit. Bloomberg Economics estimates the cost at up to £200 billion annually. Separating Brexit from other crises is difficult, leading to a middling score. Score: 4/10.
Trade: More Bureaucracy, Fewer Benefits
The promise of thriving as an independent trading nation has fallen short. While trade did not grind to a halt, exporting to the EU became more bureaucratic, especially for smaller businesses. New trade deals have not fully offset the friction with Britain's largest trading partner. Score: 4/10.
NHS Funding: The £350 Million Myth
The Vote Leave campaign's claim of £350 million per week for the NHS has not materialised. NHS funding has increased since 2016, but not as a direct Brexit dividend. Staffing shortages and medicine supply issues have complicated the picture. Score: 5/10.
Red Tape: Increased Rather Than Cut
Leaving the EU was supposed to cut bureaucracy, but for firms trading with Europe, the opposite occurred. Customs paperwork, checks, and regulatory requirements increased. Domestically, the UK has more freedom, but exporters face greater complexity. Score: 3/10.
Farming: A Mixed Bag
Brexit gave Britain control over agricultural policy and subsidies, something many farmers wanted. However, labour shortages, changing support schemes, and tougher trading conditions have left many questioning the trade-off. Score: 5/10.
Immigration: Control Achieved, But Numbers Rose
Free movement ended, fulfilling a key Brexit objective. However, record immigration levels in recent years contradict the promise of lower numbers. Score: 6/10.
Levelling Up: Unclear Progress
Supporters argued Brexit would rebalance the economy, but replacement funding for EU regional grants has not delivered the hoped-for transformation. The concept of 'levelling up' remains poorly defined. Score: 5/10.
Fishing: A Symbolic Win
The fishing industry, worth less than 0.1% of GDP, became a symbol of Brexit. Britain regained a larger share of fishing rights, though the increase was smaller than campaigners expected. Score: 8/10.
Taking Back Control: The Clear Success
Brexit delivered on its core promise: Britain left the EU, Parliament regained full control over domestic law, free movement ended, and trade policy returned to Westminster. The debate now is whether the UK knows what to do with that control. Score: 10/10.
Overall, the Brexit scorecard totals 52 out of 100, or 52%.
