Britain marked five years since its departure from the European Union on January 31, 2025, yet the anniversary passed with little fanfare amid growing dissatisfaction over the impacts of Brexit. Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had voted to remain during the pivotal 2016 referendum, had no plans for celebrations, focusing instead on building closer relations with the EU as he prepared for talks with European counterparts.
According to reports from BBC, Starmer emphasized the need to improve how Brexit serves the British public, stating, "We are very much looking forwards and we know we can dobetter to make Brexit work for the British people." His deputy echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of cooperation with the EU, the UK's largest trading partner and closest neighbor.
The backdrop of these discussions is the referendum outcome, where 52% of voters chose to leave the EU, setting off three and a half years of negotiations characterized by stark divisions among the populace. The UK officially exited the bloc at 11:00 PM GMT on January 31, 2020. At the moment, thousands had gathered with Union Jack flags to celebrate the announcement, including then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who hailed the exit as a "stunning success," though he cautioned about potential "bumps in the road."
Fast forward five years, and many Britons are expressing fatigue and frustration over Brexit's promises which, some argue, have largely gone unfulfilled. Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary from the Conservative Party, insisted the anniversary was significant as it represented five years of honoring the voters' democratic will, claiming the UK had benefited from new trade agreements with rapidly growing markets and regained sovereignty from Brussels.
Yet, Brexit cheerleader Nigel Farage previously noted his disappointment with how the process unfolded. He pointed out the lack of substantial trade deals with the US and Canada and the sluggish economic growth, stating, "It's been a success constitutionally and in terms of foreign policy but admitted many who voted to leave would say 'it's been a huge disappointment.'" The growing skepticism is highlighted by recent polls showing 55% of respondents believe Brexit was misguided, calling for rejoining the EU.
Business perspectives on Brexit reflect the mixed outcomes people are experiencing. David Josephs, who owns a wholesaler business of fruits and vegetables, lamented the difficulties presented by additional paperwork, sharing, "I'm sorry to say there's been zero benefit. Literally zero. We've goneinto the dark ages as regards being able to trade, communicate, travel." On the contrary, some businesses like Steve Horton’s customs clearance and logistics company claimed to have thrived on the new administration’s paperwork.
Starmer's pursuit of what he describes as 'resetting' the UK’s relationship with the EU aims not to reverse Brexit but to strengthen existing agreements. He has ruled out re-joining the customs union or the single market but aims to renew the Trade and Co-operation Agreement established post-Brexit as early as 2026. He is also exploring potential arrangements for more extended collaboration on defense, security, and trade.
Downing Street weighed in on the anniversary, pointing out Brexit's benefits, such as the newfound freedom from EU regulations. A spokesperson highlighted, "That is a big benefit for us... and that's enhanced London's competitiveness as a financial hub," reiteratively showing hopefulness for the overall British economic future through Brexit.
The Conservative narrative, though, faces criticism from Liberal Democrats and other opposition leaders, who maintain the current Brexit deal has resulted in significant economic and social setbacks for the UK. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey referred to Brexit as "an utter disaster for our country," calling to align closer ties with the EU.
The murmurs of discontent echoed among British citizens, with many advocating for reconsidering the EU membership. Green Party’s MP Ellie Chowns suggested rejoining the customs union and promoting mobility for young students, encapsulating broader sentiments aiming for enhanced collaboration with the European bloc.
Today, as the United Kingdom reflects on its five-year anniversary since Brexit, the nation grapples with reshaping its identity post-EU membership amid contrasting perspectives and bated hopes for what the future may hold. Whether the aspirations of Starmer's comprehensive new approach could chart a different course remains to be seen amid collective uncertainties surrounding Britain's direction.