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

Nearly half a decade has passed since the UK bid farewell to the European Union, and in the intervening nine years, the world has been reshaped by a global health crisis, conflicts and economic instability. The UK has navigated these times largely on its own, prompting our readers to reflect on whether Brexit has lived up to their expectations.

The referendum that led to Brexit was initially a strategy by former Prime Minister David Cameron to appease the "eurosceptics" in his Conservative Party - a strategy that backfired spectacularly for the avowed remainer PM. The result was a deeply polarising 52% to 48% split following a heated campaign filled with intense arguments over finances, immigration and what it means to be British.

In the aftermath, protracted negotiations ensued, marked by disputes over the terms of departure, the timing, and even the prospect of one day rejoining the EU. Eventually, the clock ran out, and the UK's membership in the bloc came to an end.

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Today, public sentiment is still sharply divided on whether Brexit has been beneficial or harmful. Financial analysts and research institutions frequently cite substantial economic losses in the tens or hundreds of billions due to the separation, while business leaders lament the new challenges in trade and travel with neighbouring countries.

Brexit proponents are turning their attention to new battles, with key individuals like Nigel Farage of the former Brexit Party declaring triumph in the "Leave" movement and now concentrating on matters like immigration and taxation with is Reform UK Party. Yet the conversation around rekindling or fortifying ties with the EU continues, even though certain political figures consider the issue resolved.

Amongst the trio of most popular petitions on Parliament's official portal, two are appeals to halt Brexit or demand a second referendum.

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People have been debating how much of a win Brexit has been, with one reader saying: “Brexit must never be reversed. It's the best thing the UK has done in decades. We must have our own laws, freedom and not be controlled by unelected people from other countries that do not like the UK.”

Another disagrees: “We never lost the ability to make our own laws, however we did lose our freedoms to live, work and study in any other EU country. Boris Johnson took those benefits away from everyone in the UK.”

Another reader thinks: “Proper Brexit as envisaged has never been delivered. Our MPs and civil servants have betrayed us, well the 52% who voted Leave.”

A commenter agrees: “Brexit wasn't about money for me it was about national security, freedom from Brussels, freedom to invest in the UK and to protect our borders and fishing. However, we have, as yet, not actually had a proper Brexit and the UK continues to hand over our money to Brussels because of the poor Brexit negotiations.”

Another adds: “Brexit would have been a good idea had we actually got a Brexit. Numerous opportunities were never realised because the established powers blocked everything Brexit allowed us to do. To succeed we need a change in mindset, plenty of other countries around the world do just fine without being shackled to a political union dictating their every move, and so could we.”

A debater replies: “Please don’t tell me it’s not been done properly!! I didn’t vote for it, I knew it would result in economic disaster; same or more immigration; no extra cash for NHS etc. exactly as it turned out.”

Another agrees: “I still await any evidence whatsoever that the UK has benefited from Brexit, particularly in the nebulous 'taking back control' mantra. What does that even mean? Lord Alan Sugar has described Brexit as 'the biggest disaster in [his] lifetime'. 'It is now [that] the full ramifications of us not being in the European Union is starting to really take its toll,' he says.”

One of our readers is frustrated: “Brexit has been a disaster insofar as the country has suffered a loss of trade leading to low or no growth which in turn leads to less money in the treasury, less money available for people to spend, poorer services and a spectacular fall in the condition of our infrastructure. All of this impacts upon the general public psyche causing people to feel depressed, angry and neglected by the Government. Coupled with the austerity of the six years from 2010 and the years after Brexit then I feel poorer in every sense of the word.”

Another asks: “What’s better since we left? Nothing.”

A commenter agrees: “As far as I can see the whole Brexit charade was simply a vehicle to get Boris Joohnson as PM. He promised everything to everyone, and nothing has improved. Brexit was one huge con, and a massive shot in the foot. We, or rather the Tories, made a huge mistake with the future of this country. With the deepest regret, I applied for an Irish passport, leaving behind the big blue one of which I was so proud. I am a European.”

Another jokes: “It’s all going great and we still have those trade deals with Lichtenstein and Upper Volta to look forward to! How could anyone regret Brexit?”

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

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