UK still counting the cost 10 years on from Brexit vote |
https://arab.news/28spy
Regardless of how hard some in the UK try to pretend Brexit was a necessary step toward sovereignty, territorial integrity and the curbing of toxic freedom of movement and freeloading on its generous benefits system, as well as offering dividends for people, society and the economy, the figures are unfortunately showing the opposite on all fronts.
During 2026, the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum will pass. Leaving the EU was drummed up as a lifeline for the British people, giving them independence, even though it was only approved by a slim and unconvincing majority. Five years since Britain abandoned the single market and customs union, ending freedom of movement in the EU for its citizens, the country is still suffering from the reverberations and aftershocks of that self-inflicted, avoidable earthquake.
Those that still believe in Brexit continue to defend it, claiming that it was merely unfortunately timed, as it has coincided with calamities such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the increase in the cost of living and the disruption of trade and commerce due to the changes witnessed in the US.
Brexiteers also continue to claim that the withdrawal agreement was badly negotiated by a shambolic Conservative government that, after years of austerity, decided to swiftly break with EU rules and standards, destroying institutional due processes and preventing a smooth transition. This led to disruptions, shortages and new administrative cycles that broke with norms, increased costs for producers and consumers........