Remembering Brexit: A Decade Since the Vote
Today marks ten years since the British public chose to leave the European Union, a significant moment in direct democracy. While the UK has regained some sovereignty, many of the goals set during the independence movement remain unmet, with various politicians seemingly obstructing the people’s desires.
On June 23, 2016, over 17 million people in the UK voted against the EU, supporting a campaign that highlighted the slogan “take back control.” Each side had distinct worries: those in favor of leaving were primarily concerned about immigration, while those wanting to stay focused on the economic advantages of remaining in the EU’s single market. Ultimately, many citizens were driven by the desire to shape their own future.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the UK faced such debates. About 40 years ago, Ted Heath’s Conservative government sought to join the European Economic Community (EEC). Critics, including the influential leftist Tony Benn, argued that EU membership would favor large corporations and undermined British labor by prioritizing free trade that could relocate jobs abroad.
Notably, concerns about national sovereignty were central to the discussions. Enoch Powell, a well-known Conservative MP who opposed mass immigration, claimed in 1971 that objections to EU membership stemmed not from economic factors but from nationalist sentiments—an “aversion to political integration with continental Europe.”
Peter Shore, a Labour politician at the time, mirrored this sentiment, warning that joining the EEC would strip the British Parliament and the populace of hard-won democratic rights. He pointed out that any agreement granting tax authority to an external body was problematic.
Fast forward to the 2016 referendum, where a significant number of Leave voters, around 49%, cited the principle that decisions affecting the UK should be made within the UK as their main reason for voting the way they did.
When the UK finally exited the EU after lengthy negotiations in early 2020, many celebrated. Tony Appleton, known as Britain’s “unofficial” town crier, energetically proclaimed from Parliament Square that the nation was “free” and achieving success in its newfound independence.
However, reclaiming sovereignty from the EU was just the beginning. The UK found itself facing a new challenge: regaining control from the Westminster establishment, which had consistently resisted Brexit. Years of uncertainty followed, especially during Theresa May’s administration, which culminated in a significant electoral defeat for her Conservative Party during the European Parliament elections. This paved the way for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party to claim its first national win.
Following that, the British electorate had to vote again. In a strategic move, Farage endorsed Boris Johnson, enabling him to secure a notable parliamentary majority to ensure Brexit was implemented. This tactic proved effective, granting Johnson a remarkable victory over the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn. By then, Labour had largely shifted its stance, abandoning its traditional support for workers in favor of a more globalist agenda.
Still, the anticipated freedom under Johnson was short-lived. Just months into his term, he imposed a stringent lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, stifling the optimism of those who had celebrated regained liberties. This turn of events left many feeling disillusioned.
Moreover, Johnson’s policies on immigration significantly strayed from what had been promised. Contrary to earlier commitments to limit immigration to “tens of thousands,” his administration oversaw a substantial increase in immigration, termed the “Boris Wave.” Despite the end of free movement from EU countries, immigration from non-EU nations surged, exacerbated by a new points-based immigration system that did not impose strict limits.
The results have been striking. Recent figures show a net immigration peak of 944,000 for the year ending March 2023. Since the Brexit vote, more than 3.7 million net immigrants have entered the UK.
According to Arup Mehmet of Migration Watch, while Brexit was intended to empower the British people to control their borders, the subsequent immigration framework largely disregarded public sentiment. The rapid growth of the foreign-born population combined with the ongoing decline of Britain’s population raises concerns about future social cohesion.
Numerous observers question why the commitments made during the Brexit campaign have not materialized. Some reference George Osborne, a former chancellor, who openly acknowledged in 2017 that the Conservative Party establishment had no intention of fulfilling its pledge to reduce immigration.
Johnson, removed from office amid controversy over lockdown parties, maintained that pressures from various economic authorities encouraged high levels of immigration to mitigate the impacts of inflation. Yet, many remain skeptical about whether the influx of migrants has genuinely benefited the economy, especially given studies suggesting low-skilled immigrants may cost taxpayers in the long run.
Nigel Farage’s Reform Party now seeks to end Indefinite Leave to Remain, which allows temporary residents substantial access to benefits and permanent residency after just five years. Their proposed reforms aim to change the immigration system, potentially introducing an American-style work visa model focused on merit. Reflecting on the Brexit campaign, Farage asserts it’s time for voters to look beyond traditional parties and support reform efforts that align with the original intentions of the referendum.
He stated, “Brexit was a vital step for our country, but it isn’t enough on its own. We need a government committed to maintaining the freedoms we fought for and attentive to our needs.” Farage emphasizes the necessity for reform to deliver genuine progress and meet the expectations set forth during the historic vote of 2016.
