Brexit: An Oral History – podcast

The article ranks six British prime ministers who served between 2016 and 2026, with a seventh expected by mid-July. David Cameron is ranked last, identified as the architect of political chaos due to his decision to hold the EU referendum and his subsequent resignation. Liz Truss is placed second to last, noted for causing significant damage during her 49-day tenure, particularly with the mini-budget. Boris Johnson is ranked third, described as driven by ego and lacking a clear vision for the country, using the Vote Leave campaign as a path to power. The article critiques the shallow pool of prime ministerial talent and the circumstances leading to these individuals' appointments.

Britain is experiencing a rapid turnover of prime ministers, with the country on track for its seventh in a decade, a stark contrast to the post-war era of stable leadership. While factors like social media and Brexit have contributed, the article argues the deeper issue lies in the changing relationship between prime ministers and their own MPs. Since the 1970s, MPs have become more willing to rebel and challenge leaders, leading to prime ministers being removed by internal party pressure rather than solely by voters. This internal dissent, coupled with volatile voters and a weakening two-party system, has made Downing Street a significantly harder place to survive.

Rachel Reeves has publicly endorsed Andy Burnham for Prime Minister, despite reports suggesting she might be moved from her Chancellor role if he wins. Reeves stated she and Burnham are friends and did not rule out a less senior cabinet position, emphasizing that leadership decisions are Burnham's to make. She defended her fiscal rules, noting they already accommodate increased defense borrowing, and highlighted her commitment to improving defense spending efficiency. Allies of Reeves have reportedly lobbied Burnham to retain her as Chancellor for stability. Speculation is also ongoing regarding Burnham's potential choices for Chancellor, with Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband being discussed as possibilities, each with different perceived strengths.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, many pro-Brexit Britons maintain that the decision was correct, emphasizing regained sovereignty and control. While acknowledging that the freedoms gained may have been squandered, supporters like Professor Robert Tombs argue that the core reasons for leaving—sovereignty, democracy, and control—remain valid. They attribute current challenges to successive governments failing to maximize post-Brexit opportunities and dismiss negative predictions from the "Remain" campaign as unfulfilled. Despite increased immigration figures, some believe the UK has regained control over its borders, even if that freedom has been used to expand immigration. The article notes that the UK officially withdrew from the EU on January 31, 2020, after a long and often tense membership.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, public opinion has shifted significantly, with a majority now believing Brexit was the wrong choice and an outright failure. While economic consequences, including a 6% shrinkage of the UK economy according to the Bank of England, are evident, the article argues Brexit's most profound impact has been societal. The decade since the referendum has seen a normalization of hateful and exclusionary discourse in politics and society, particularly concerning immigration. This shift has been fueled by rhetoric that has moved from the fringe to the center of acceptable debate, influencing government policies on migration and asylum.

Guardian columnist Rafael Behr will host a Q&A session at 5 pm to answer reader questions. Originally planned to focus on the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote, the discussion will now also cover recent political developments. Specifically, attendees can ask about Andy Burnham, who is reportedly set to become the next prime minister, and the end of Keir Starmer's premiership. The Q&A aims to provide insights into these key political topics.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union, British politics remains in a state of disarray. The decision to exit the EU in 2016 has led to significant political instability, with the UK set to have its seventh prime minister since the referendum. Successive leaders have struggled to manage the consequences of Brexit, contributing to a sluggish economy, governmental dysfunction, and a divided electorate. The Brexit campaign, fueled by promises of regaining control and a sense of nostalgia, tapped into public discontent. However, the reality of leaving the EU has presented challenges, including new trade barriers and ongoing political divisions within both major parties. This has resulted in increased voter cynicism and a decline in trust in politicians, with some polls now indicating regret over the decision to leave the EU.

The Guardian has published a 10th-anniversary quiz testing recall of the Brexit referendum campaign and its aftermath. The quiz features 18 questions covering various aspects, including the cost and eventual name of a national festival celebrating British creativity, the origin of blue passports, and unusual campaign moments involving Nigel Farage and a pop star. It also probes knowledge about specific political figures' actions, such as who asked for Article 50 to be invoked immediately after the vote and who eventually invoked it. The quiz touches upon the referendum's vote split in Scotland, the location of a planned music festival, and celebrity endorsements. It also delves into the details of the withdrawal agreement, the formation of an anti-Brexit party, and fundraising efforts for Big Ben. Further questions explore Boris Johnson's claims about bananas, an Instagram post that irritated Theresa May, a politician's contradictory parliamentary vote, the repurposing of the Brexit bus, the location of a post-victory press conference, and David Cameron's actions after his resignation.

Ten years after the 2016 referendum, where 51.9% of Britons voted to leave the European Union, the UK's economic performance and migration patterns have diverged from pre-Brexit projections. Research indicates the UK economy is smaller than it would have been, with real GDP per capita lagging behind the EU. Business investment has also seen a significant shortfall, attributed to political and regulatory uncertainty. Trade with Europe is projected to be substantially lower, and trade deals with non-EU countries have not compensated for this decline. The article highlights that promises made during the Leave campaign have largely not materialized, with the UK falling behind its peers.

Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, less than two years into his tenure. His decision comes amid mounting pressure from within his own Labour Party, following disappointing local election results and a significant by-election victory for challenger Andy Burnham. This resignation marks the seventh change in UK prime minister within the last decade, highlighting a period of political instability. Starmer will remain in office until a new Labour leader is selected, with the leadership contest set to begin on July 9 and conclude before Parliament's summer recess. The article notes that the UK has seen six prime ministers since 2016, a stark contrast to the longer tenures of previous leaders.

Keir Starmer is expected to announce a timetable for his resignation, which could pave the way for Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister. It remains uncertain whether Starmer's departure will involve a leadership contest or an uncontested handover of power. This development follows a weekend of reflection for Starmer, with some suggesting a "shift has taken place." Education minister Jacqui Smith, when questioned about the situation, stated that people were "getting ahead of yourself." Former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell expressed concern about potential political instability in the UK, noting it would be the seventh Prime Minister in a decade and questioning the implications of mid-term leadership changes.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party on Monday, citing pressure from his party after a decline in popularity since leading Labour to a landslide election victory in July 2024. He will remain as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is chosen in the coming weeks, with nominations opening on July 9. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run to succeed Starmer and is considered the front-runner, with another contender, Wes Streeting, indicating his support for Burnham. Starmer's departure marks the sixth prime ministerial change in a decade. Opposition leaders from the Liberal Democrats and Green Party called for significant political change beyond just a new leader.

European leaders have paid tribute to Keir Starmer following his resignation as British prime minister, which has led to the postponement of an upcoming EU-UK summit. European Council President António Costa stated the summit would be rescheduled and expressed hope that Starmer's successor would continue to reset EU-UK relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Starmer for strengthening European and Ukrainian security, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him for his support. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesperson described Starmer as a reliable foreign policy partner, particularly concerning Ukraine. The EU had hoped to sign agreements on food and drink, emissions trading, and youth mobility at the summit.

Brexit significantly altered Scotland's political landscape, bolstering support for independence as most Scottish voters backed remaining in the EU. Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale stated that the Brexit vote created a sense of unfairness for Scots, who were taken out of Europe despite overwhelmingly voting to remain. This sentiment, coupled with the UK government's embrace of a "hard Brexit," swayed undecided voters. While initial expectations of a surge in independence support post-Brexit did not fully materialize, support has remained near record levels, currently around 50%. Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson noted that while she opposed leveraging remainer anger for a second referendum, the "Boris effect" on independence support was less significant than feared, with economic concerns and other crises taking precedence for voters.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering resignation within days following a decisive by-election victory by rival Andy Burnham. Burnham's win has emboldened Labour figures to call for Starmer to step aside, with speculation that Starmer could announce a resignation timetable as early as Monday. Starmer has faced mounting pressure due to declining popularity, policy missteps, and scandals, including revelations from the Epstein files concerning an ambassador appointment. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has indicated his intention to challenge for leadership of the Labour Party, suggesting the party has a "final chance to change." Starmer's unpopularity is reflected in polling, with only 19 percent of Britons holding a positive opinion of him.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and may announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday. This comes amid growing dissatisfaction within the Labour Party, concerns over the economy, and a potential leadership challenge from rival Andy Burnham, who recently won a parliamentary seat. Over 100 Labour lawmakers have publicly urged Starmer to resign or set a departure timeline, following disappointing local election results and a decline in Starmer's popularity. Despite these pressures, a government source stated Starmer remains focused on governing and has previously vowed to stay in office.

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum, Brexit continues to divide the nation. The decision, driven by frustrations with the EU and the 2008 financial crisis, promised economic revitalization and domestic focus for the UK. However, a decade later, the British economy is estimated to be 4-8% smaller than it would have been if the UK had remained in the EU, with significant non-tariff barriers impacting trade with the EU. While free movement between the UK and EU ended, net migration from non-EU countries has increased, though overall net migration has fallen sharply. Public opinion polls now indicate a majority would like to rejoin the EU and believe Brexit is going worse than expected. The political landscape has fractured, with declining support for traditional parties and a growing sentiment that Brexit has failed.

A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) found that two-thirds of EU citizens would support the UK rejoining the bloc. The poll, conducted across 15 EU countries, also revealed that most UK voters believe Brexit has negatively impacted key issues like the cost of living and the economy, and desire closer ties with the EU, including freedom of movement. Even voters for far-right and Eurosceptic parties in the EU expressed support for closer UK relations. In the UK, a significant majority of respondents favored a closer relationship with the EU, with many even willing to accept freedom of movement in exchange for improved trade ties. The report suggests a fundamental shift in public opinion in both the UK and the EU regarding the UK's relationship with the bloc.