Five years ago Brexit supporters gathered outside Parliament to mark the UK leaving the EU
On 31 January 2020, the UK officially left the European Union (EU) at 11:00 GMT. This week marked the fifth anniversary of Brexit. Downing Street has said that Brexit has brought some benefits to the UK. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister highlighted that the UK is no longer bound by EU rules. This has helped make the UK a more competitive financial hub. However, the government admitted that more work is needed to make Brexit work better for the British people.
The Conservatives have accused the government of trying to weaken Brexit and move closer to the EU. On the other hand, the Liberal Democrats called the Brexit deal a “disaster” and urged closer ties with the EU. The UK left the EU after the 2016 referendum, where 52% of voters chose to leave. Since then, the government has faced challenges in managing the new relationship with the EU.
The government did not hold any official events to mark the anniversary. When asked why, a Downing Street spokesperson said the government is focused on improving the UK’s relationship with the EU. They called the EU the UK’s largest trading partner and closest neighbour. The spokesperson also said the UK is working with the EU to tackle security threats and strengthen cooperation.
The Prime Minister’s office pointed out some benefits of Brexit. These include freedom from EU procurement rules and the ability to adapt financial regulations to suit the UK market. This has helped London remain a competitive financial hub. However, critics argue that Brexit has not delivered all the promises made during the campaign.
Sir Keir Starmer, who once supported remaining in the EU, has promised to improve relations with the EU. He has ruled out rejoining the EU or the single market but wants to secure a better deal with the bloc. Over the weekend, Sir Keir will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and attend an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Brexit a “vote of confidence” in the UK but admitted there is still more work to do. She said a trade deal with the US would be a key opportunity. Nigel Farage, a leading figure in the Brexit campaign, said Brexit has been successful in some areas but admitted many voters feel disappointed. He blamed the previous Conservative government for failing to reduce immigration, a key issue for many Brexit supporters.
Former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost warned that Sir Keir might try to move the UK closer to the EU without rejoining. He said the current Brexit deal is working well and should not be changed. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for a customs union deal with the EU to boost growth. Green MP Ellie Chowns also urged the UK to rejoin the customs union and improve youth mobility with the EU. She said full EU membership remains the best option for the UK.
As the UK reflects on five years since Brexit, opinions remain divided on its impact. While some see benefits, others believe the UK’s relationship with the EU needs to improve. The debate over Brexit’s future continues.
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