Brexit still divides Britons 10 years later

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the EU, Brexit's economic, political, and social effects continue to influence the country, with the Conservative Party losing power in 2024 and the Labour leader resigning amid divided public opinion. Despite a narrow majority favoring rejoining the EU, the current government rejects reinstatement and focuses on improving trade relations, while Brexit remains a deep societal divide.

A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the political and social consequences of Brexit continue to shape the nation’s landscape. On June 23, 2016, 52% of British voters opted to exit the EU, setting in motion a complex and protracted separation process that concluded nearly five years later.

The decision was driven by a mixture of factors, including frustration with the EU’s regulations and the lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis. Proponents of Brexit argued that the UK could thrive independently and regain control over its laws and borders. Critics cautioned that leaving the EU would cause economic turmoil and diminish the country's influence on the global stage.

Economically, the UK has faced significant challenges since Brexit. While tariffs on British goods entering the EU were avoided in the final agreement, businesses continue to grapple with increased customs paperwork and visa requirements. Analysts estimate the UK economy is between 4% and 8% smaller than it would have been had the country remained in the EU.

Changes to immigration policy have also had a notable impact. The end of free movement between the UK and EU member states has led to a decrease in net migration from Europe. To address labor shortages, however, the UK has seen increased immigration from non-EU countries. Meanwhile, illegal crossings of the English Channel by small boats have become a politically charged issue, fueling protests and incidents of violence targeting asylum seekers.

Brexit has fundamentally reshaped British politics. The Conservative Party, which had governed for 14 years since 2010, lost power in 2024. The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has struggled to galvanize widespread support and Starmer announced his resignation this week. Public opinion appears divided, yet recent polls suggest a slim majority—52%—favor rejoining the EU. Despite this, the current Labour government has ruled out reinstating membership, instead focusing on efforts to reset and improve trade relations with the EU.

Andy Burnham, considered a likely contender to lead the Labour Party, has expressed respect for the 2016 referendum result and opposes reversing Brexit. As the UK continues to navigate the enduring legacies of the vote, Brexit remains a pronounced and enduring fault line within British society.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.