Brexit is a long-term journey, not an instant fix. While the UK has gained sovereignty, the government’s slow response has delayed progress by years. Real benefits depend on proactive policymaking—cutting red tape, expanding global trade, and supporting businesses. The next few years will determine whether Brexit’s potential is fully realised.
The 2016 EU Referendum was a legitimate democratic decision, despite claims that a 2% swing could have changed the result. Close margins don’t invalidate elections, misinformation cuts both ways, and democracy doesn’t require a landslide. If small margins disqualify results, many past elections—including devolution votes—would also be in question.
The EU began as a promising trade bloc but morphed into a power-hungry bureaucracy that eroded national sovereignty. While the UK’s decision to leave was right, political betrayal undermined Brexit. Now, we must stay vigilant against both EU overreach and a political class willing to ignore the people’s voice.
The risk of Incremental Expansion of Competences, or “competence creep,” is one of the most significant concerns for EU critics.
The article and table serve as a snapshot of pre-Brexit fears but are largely outdated in today’s context. The discussion on NHS privatization should now center on domestic policy decisions, grounded in current data and real-world impacts. By focusing on internal challenges and avoiding overly simplistic comparisons, the debate can remain relevant and constructive for safeguarding the NHS.
If the UK or an independent Scotland were to apply to re-join the EU, several conditions and requirements would likely be imposed. These would be based on the EU’s standard accession criteria, known as the Copenhagen criteria, and additional specific considerations arising from the UK’s previous membership and its exit process.
Recent reports have suggested potential economic challenges amounting to £311 billion by 2035 following our departure from the EU. While Brexit has presented economic complexities, the precise counterfactual of our economic trajectory within the EU remains speculative.
Following Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer obligated to adhere to European Union laws and regulations.
The UK government could have pursued stricter immigration, regulatory divergence, exclusive fishing rights, independent foreign policy, and aggressive global trade agreements.
During the Brexit campaign, proponents argued that leaving the EU would bring immediate benefits. Some of the claims made included:
