Published：Jun 16, 16:10Last updated：Jun 24, 15:33

UK Reconsiders Brexit as Public Sentiment Shifts After a Decade

Jun. 16, 2026 16:10

Ten years after Brexit, young people in the UK are expressing a desire to rejoin the EU. The sentiment reflects ongoing debates about the long-term impact of Brexit.

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Jun. 24, 2026 14:30

On 24 June 2016, Britain voted to leave the EU, causing shock and sadness in Brussels. EU officials feared a domino effect of withdrawals, while anti-EU populists celebrated. The then-European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, wanted immediate Brexit negotiations. A decade later, the EU has consolidated, but the UK continues debating its relationship with Europe.

Jun. 24, 2026 15:33

This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, an event that has reshaped British politics. Brexit originated from Britain's complex relationship with the EU, dating back to the 1950s, with divisions within both Conservative and Labour parties. Mass immigration, elite contempt, stagnant living standards, and deep class divisions fueled the 2016 referendum. The EEC, which Britain joined in 1973, evolved into the EU, further polarizing UK politics. Margaret Thatcher's lukewarm support for the EU exemplified ongoing skepticism.

A decade after the Brexit referendum, 57% of Britons now believe leaving the EU was a mistake, with growing calls for rejoining amid economic stagnation and political instability. While right-wing populist parties advocating for Brexit continue to gain support, polls reveal deepening public regret over the decision, particularly among younger generations. The UK government is considering closer ties with Brussels, though institutional and political hurdles remain significant. Meanwhile, EU citizens show little resentment toward the UK, with the bloc having consolidated while Britain grapples with the referendum's long-term consequences.Russia Today+3

🌍 Shifting Political Landscape

The Reform Party, successor to UKIP, now leads in polls with 25% support despite widespread Brexit regrets. Pro-EU rallies in London highlight ongoing divisions, with cultural figures like Rachel Ashley lamenting lost opportunities. Senior civil servants argue Brexit remains unresolved, while the political class grows increasingly open to revisiting the decision. The 2016 referendum's narrow 52% leave vote was driven by promises now seen as unmet.Asahi Shimbun+2

📊 Generational Divide Widens

Polls indicate half of Britons now favor rejoining the EU, with younger demographics showing strongest support. The under-25 demographic demonstrates over 80% approval for reaccession, while Leave voters express feelings of betrayal. This polarization continues to shape political identities, with urban populations and cultural sectors particularly vocal about Brexit's negative impacts.Chosun Ilbo+2

💼 Economic Fallout Persists

Post-Brexit realities include infrastructure strains, rising living costs, and persistent trade difficulties. Economic studies suggest significant GDP contraction, with businesses facing ongoing challenges in manufacturing sectors. While some indicators have stabilized, the long-term costs of decoupling from EU markets remain contentious, fueling debates about the referendum's consequences.Asahi Shimbun+2

🔄 Emotional Aftermath and Nostalgia

EU citizens enjoy British culture but note logistical challenges post-Brexit, with the bloc having moved on while the UK remains nostalgic. The emotional separation continues to resonate, particularly among creative industries. Political uncertainty persists as the UK debates its relationship with Europe, with the anniversary highlighting unresolved tensions.The Guardian+2

Keir StarmerNigel FarageMarine Le PenEuropean UnionUnited Kingdom