'What’s better since we left?' Has Brexit changed the UK for the better?

A lorry passes an anti 'Northern Ireland (NI) Protocol' sign as it is driven away from Larne port after arriving on a ferry
-Credit:Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images


It's been nearly five years since the UK parted ways with the European Union. The last nine years have reshaped the world dramatically, marked by a devastating global pandemic, escalating conflicts, and economic instability with the UK navigating these upheavals largely on its own.

Our readers have spent time reflecting on this period, debating whether Brexit has lived up to their original hopes.

The decision for a referendum was originally made by former Prime Minister David Cameron as a strategy to silence the "eurosceptics" in his Conservative Party. But the move backfired spectacularly, culminating in the 52-48% split following a heated debate rife with disagreements over finance, immigration, and what it means to be British.

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Following the vote, negotiations ensued, fraught with arguments over the fine print of Brexit, its timing, and even the prospect of one day re-joining the EU. Eventually, the stalemate broke, and Britain's long-standing membership in the bloc came to an end.

Public opinion on whether Brexit has been successful remains starkly divided. Financial authorities and analytical organisations frequently cite substantial economic losses ranging from tens to hundreds of billions as a result of the division, while business leaders complain about the hurdles that now complicate trade and travel within Europe.

Brexit advocates are now turning their attention to other pressing issues, with prominent figures like Nigel Farage declaring triumph in the 'Leave' campaign and shifting focus to topics like immigration and taxation. Yet, discussions about re-joining or bolstering connections with the EU continue, even as some political voices insist the issue is resolved.

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Notably, two out of the top three most-signed petitions on Parliament's official website are appeals to stop Brexit or to hold a second referendum.

In Northern Ireland, Brexit has never been far from the headlines and earlier this month the Stormont Brake his the headlines. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn knocked back a unionist bid to stop changes to EU rules on packaging and labelling of chemicals.

The brake formed part of an overall package of measures - the Windsor Framework - agreed by the UK and EU two years ago, aimed at resolving problems with post-Brexit trade arrangements in Northern Ireland. The framework is the Brexit deal that means Northern Ireland continues to follow some EU laws relating to goods. The brake was designed to give Stormont’s politicians a greater say before any amended EU rules could take effect in Northern Ireland.

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David Welsh thinks: “It didn't really matter one bit what anyone in NI voted for. Even if every single person voted remain it still wouldn’t have changed the result. It was always going to be the English decision because that’s where the majority of the UK population is.”

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Catherine Smyth Denvir agrees: “It will never change, the English always decide our fate. I still say we would have been better staying in the EU, things have certainly not improved.”

Jane Potts replies: “The result of the election would have been different had "leaders" been honest in their campaigns. But it is what it is. I would like to know where the extra millions we were going to save each month have gone?”

Jason Turner agrees: “Doesn't feel like much has changed for the better, if anything things have got worse. And where's all the benefits and prosperity that was promised to the NHS to the tune of 350m per month? It was all a lie and so far Brexit has been a disaster.”

John Mckellar is not a fan: “One of the most 'little Britain' brainless political decisions ever perpetrated by self- serving politicians.”

Nigel Pickard says: “ I would be happier if we had had a government which implemented what we voted for. We voted to have our country run by politicians who we voted for. Not for some eurocrat who nobody has heard of or voted for. I voted for democracy. The public voted out, but the politicians wanted to stay in so they never implemented the mandate properly, allowing N Ireland to be separated from the UK. It’s a farce.”

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Jason Turner replies: “Boris wanted to leave the EU and the DUP supported him saying leave at any cost. Boris was PM when the deal was made and he offered NI as the sacrificial lamb.”

Johnny Graham thinks: “I don’t think anyone is better off after Brexit. Luckily we can get Irish passports unlike the English who are still waiting to see any benefits of their vote.”

James Brown believes: “I think Northern Ireland has a great deal if only our politicians would milk it to its fullest. Forget orange and green and the Alliance Party, stop working for the EU. We should work together to get the best possible deal for NI. Having open access to both markets gives Northern Ireland a great advantage. We should be making the best of it not playing politics.”

Do you think Brexit is working? Would you change your vote if you could? Have your say in our comments section.