Brexit: An Oral History – podcast

The Guardian's podcast, "Brexit: An Oral History," features interviews with key figures from both sides of the debate. Presented by Kiran Stacey, the series reflects on the UK's decision to leave the EU, which occurred ten years ago this week. The podcast examines the Brexit vote and its lasting impact on the country. The interviews aim to provide a comprehensive look back at the events that led to the UK's departure from the European Union.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.