Five years after the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, the impacts of Brexit continue to reverberate across the nation. On January 31, 2020, the UK severed ties with the EU, ending nearly five decades of membership, and ushered in an era marked by both promise and regret.
The decision to leave was deeply divisive, with supporters heralding newfound sovereignty and critics warning of isolation. Now, as of January 31, 2025, opinion polls indicate rising discontent with the decision, showcasing how public sentiment surrounding Brexit has shifted drastically.
Polling from YouGov reveals only three in ten Britons now view Brexit favorably, the lowest since the landmark 2016 referendum. Many who once supported leaving the EU express regret, with the possibility of rejoining gaining support among voters. Time has shown the promises of Brexit proponents to be less effective than anticipated, leading the nation to reflect on what was lost—and gained—over the past five years.
One of the strongest promises made by the Leave campaign was the assertion of reclaiming financial independence, with claims of diverting £350 million per week from EU contributions to the NHS. While spending on health services has increased, there’s little evidence linking this surge to Brexit; instead, delays and bureaucratic hurdles have contributed to issues such as drug shortages and nursing staff drops. Recently, medical professionals coming from EU countries have seen significant reductions, thereby exacerbing existing staff shortages within the NHS.
Another significant promise centered around immigration control, one of the referendum's core themes. During the campaign, advocates argued for reclaiming control over the UK borders. Five years on, the reality starkly contrasts with expectations; net migration has surged to unprecedented levels, with record figures of 900,000 immigrants arriving to the UK last year—nearly four times the 248,000 recorded during the referendum year.
The post-Brexit immigration policy necessitates visas for EU citizens wishing to work, mirroring restrictions previously applied mostly to non-EU nationals. The intended reduction of overall immigration appears counterproductive, as the UK has actually experienced higher levels of migration post-2020 due to this new visa-based influx.
Trade, too, has felt the strain of Brexit, particularly as businesses grapple with additional red tape and trade barriers. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates long-term reductions of both exports and imports by about 15 percent compared to pre-Brexit levels. Despite securing new trade agreements with countries like Australia and New Zealand, the diminished trade between the UK and its closest neighbor—the EU—has inflicted significant economic repercussions.
Julianne Ponan, CEO of Creative Nature, exemplified the pain of small businesses attempting to navigate post-Brexit challenges. She noted, "We would be a lot farther ahead in our growth if Brexit hadn’t happened." Many entrepreneurs have shifted focus from traditional EU markets to other regions, losing valuable opportunities for growth along the way.
The political ramifications are equally compelling. Democratic divisions surrounding Brexit have reshaped the framework of UK politics, deepening rifts and altering voting patterns. Anand Menon, director of the think-tank UK in a Changing Europe, remarked on the lasting impact on both the economy and political discourse, stating: "The impact has been really quite profuse. It’s changed our economy. And our politics has been changed quite fundamentally as well."
Yet, amid the regret, there is still hope for reconsolidation between the UK and the EU. Recently elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed plans to recalibrate relations, aiming for modest adjustments such as simplifying cross-border cooperation for professionals and artists. This signal of change has been tentatively welcomed across Europe. Leaders are cautious, aware of the complex relationships at play and the populist sentiments affecting political dynamics across the continent.
Brexit was always meant to signal independence and prosperity, but as we stand five years post-departure, many Britons find themselves at crossroads of reflection, regret, and, potentially, re-engagement with their European neighbors. What once seemed unequivocally advantageous has presented itself as layered and multifaceted, leaving the nation to ponder its place on the global stage.
With the EU's planned introduction of new entry systems for travelers, the shifting relationship will continue to evolve, and as both sides adapt, the long-term consequences of Brexit remain to be seen. Hopefully, Britain and the EU will find pathways toward cooperation, albeit cautiously, as they navigate the new normals forged from their joint history.