Friday marks five years since Britain left the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020. People and businesses are still wrestling with the economic, social and cultural aftershocks.

Summary

Five years after Brexit, its economic and political effects are still unfolding.

Trade with the EU has become more expensive and complex, with mid-sized businesses struggling the most.

UK economic growth is projected to be 4% lower long-term, and new trade deals haven’t offset EU losses.

While public opinion has turned against Brexit, rejoining the EU remains unlikely.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to improve relations but won’t re-enter the single market, as both sides cautiously rebuild ties.

  • @GoofSchmooferEnglish
    12•2 days ago

    Going back to the EU with our tail between our legs isn’t going to go down well with anyone so won’t be happening anytime soon.

    “we would rather the people of the UK continue to suffer economically than be embarrassed on the international stage for a few years.”

    That’s is strong leadership /s

    • @nogooduserEnglish
      1•2 days ago

      I don’t think that it’s only a leadership thing.

      I think that there’d be enough voters who would be too proud to lose the pound that any referendum to rejoin would lose even if opinion polls showed that most people thought that it was a mistake (I don’t actually know what opinion poles say about this topic).