A Turning Tide: Brexit, Five Years On
When the United Kingdom officially exited the European Union on January 31, 2020, it was hailed by supporters as a reclamation of sovereignty and self-determination. Brexit promised stronger borders, independent trade deals, and the chance to “take back control.” Yet, five years on, a different narrative is gaining traction: a creeping sense of regret.
As Britain grapples with sluggish growth, trade complications, and diplomatic isolation, public opinion appears to be shifting. The question now echoes louder than ever—does the UK regret Brexit?
Public Sentiment: The Shift in Mood
Opinion polls throughout 2024 and into 2025 reveal a notable trend: more Britons say they would now vote to remain in the EU. According to a YouGov survey in early 2025, “around 60% of respondents said Brexit has hurt the UK economy,” while nearly half said they would support rejoining the bloc.
This marks a significant departure from the narrow 52% majority that voted to leave in the 2016 referendum. While the political appetite for reversing Brexit remains limited, the emotional and economic disillusionment is real.
Public discussions have become less about sovereignty and more about stagnation—particularly in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and small business, where labour shortages and trade barriers are biting hard.
The Economic Fallout: Promises vs. Reality
Perhaps the most tangible signs of regret are seen in the UK’s economic performance. Since leaving the EU single market and customs union, the UK has faced rising import costs, reduced foreign investment, and disrupted supply chains.
“Brexit has imposed a structural drag on growth,” noted a 2024 report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). While global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have certainly played a role, analysts agree that Brexit has added a unique layer of strain.
Small exporters, once reliant on frictionless trade with EU countries, now face additional customs paperwork, tariffs, and transport delays. Sectors like fishing, which were promised revival, have instead struggled with access to EU markets and labour shortages.
Immigration and Labour Shortages
One of the central promises of Brexit was to “regain control” over immigration. But the outcome has been more complicated. While net migration remains high due to non-EU workers entering under new visa routes, sectors that once depended on EU labour—like agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare—now face acute staffing shortages.
This is particularly visible in the NHS, where the departure of thousands of EU healthcare workers has strained an already overstretched system. Seasonal agriculture has also suffered, with produce left to rot in fields due to a lack of available workers.
Critics argue that the new immigration system is more bureaucratic and less responsive to market needs. “We didn’t vote to make it harder to get a pint or see a doctor,” one London bartender remarked in a recent BBC vox pop.
Diplomatic and Cultural Repercussions
Beyond the economy, Brexit has changed the UK’s standing on the global stage. No longer part of EU decision-making, Britain must now navigate international politics with diminished influence in Brussels.
Meanwhile, cultural exchange programs like Erasmus were scrapped, limiting opportunities for young Britons to study or work abroad. The impact is especially pronounced among artists, students, and academics who once benefitted from EU-funded initiatives.
“There is a growing sense of detachment,” said a professor at the University of Edinburgh. “The UK feels less connected—not just to Europe, but to a shared cultural and intellectual space.”
Political Consequences at Home
Domestically, Brexit has redrawn political boundaries and deepened divisions. Scotland and Northern Ireland—both of which voted to remain—continue to debate their place in the United Kingdom. The Northern Ireland Protocol, aimed at avoiding a hard border with Ireland, remains a flashpoint in UK-EU relations and has complicated trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Calls for a second Scottish independence referendum have grown louder, with Brexit cited as a core grievance. The argument is that Scotland was taken out of the EU against its will—a situation fueling nationalist sentiment.
Meanwhile, successive UK governments have struggled to define a coherent post-Brexit identity or economic vision, making it difficult to claim any clear “wins.”
Is Rejoining on the Table?
Despite growing public regret, a full rejoining of the EU remains unlikely in the short term. Politicians across major parties appear reluctant to reopen the Brexit debate, fearing political backlash or prolonged instability.
However, the tone has softened. Discussions now center around rejoining the single market or customs union, or negotiating better access to EU programs in education and research. Some policy analysts suggest a gradual approach—rebuilding trust with Brussels and improving cooperation in stages.
“It’s not about undoing Brexit overnight,” said one Labour MP. “It’s about being realistic about what’s not working and fixing it.”
Conclusion: A Nation at the Crossroads
Five years after Brexit, the UK finds itself at a crossroads of introspection. The promises of prosperity and control have collided with the complex realities of global trade, diplomacy, and domestic politics. While not everyone regrets Brexit, the optimism of 2016 has undoubtedly faded into a more sobering appraisal of its consequences.
Whether or not the UK formally re-engages with Europe, the growing public reflection signals a crucial moment in the nation’s evolving identity. For many Britons, the regret is less about political defeat and more about lost opportunities. As the world changes, so too may the United Kingdom’s vision of its place within it.
Keywords:
Brexit regret UK, post-Brexit economy, UK-EU relations, Brexit impact 2025, public opinion Brexit, UK immigration policy, Brexit consequences, single market access, UK politics, EU referendum
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