Five Years After Brexit, Divisions Deepen Over Its Impact and Legacy

As the UK marks the fifth anniversary of leaving the EU, debates persist over economic costs, migration policies, and the nation's future direction.

Polling reveals widespread dissatisfaction with Brexit, with only 12% of Britons believing it has been successful and 59% describing its outcomes as negative.
The UK economy faces significant challenges, including an estimated annual £100 billion loss in output and a projected long-term 15% decline in trade, according to government and expert analyses.
Net migration has reached record levels since Brexit, with non-EU immigration surging and EU migration showing a net decline, complicating promises to reduce overall numbers.
Pro-Brexit advocates highlight regained sovereignty, citing flexibility in domestic policies like VAT adjustments and trade agreements, but critics argue these changes have not offset economic losses.
Political disputes persist, with Conservative leaders clashing over migration policies and opposition parties advocating closer ties or even rejoining aspects of the EU framework.