Brexit a Decade On: 5 Symbols That Define Its Impact

The Lead

Ten years after the UK voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union, triggering a long and tortuous political process, the country's economy, international relations, and body politic continue to feel the effects of Brexit.

Nissan Sunderland: A Symbol of Economic Uncertainty

The fate of Nissan's factory in north-east England was a totemic issue in the run-up to the 2016 referendum. For leavers, the site near Sunderland symbolised British manufacturing prowess that allowed it to sell to the world. For remainers, it represented what could be lost.

In 2016, the Sunderland factory made 507,000 cars, just shy of its 2012 record. Last year, it managed just 273,000 cars. The negative impact has been partly masked by a run of other challenges: the coronavirus pandemic; the Ukraine war energy crisis; Donald Trump's deglobalisation drive; and Nissan's leadership chaos and 20,000 global job cuts.

The Thames Flotilla: A Clash of Opinions

One of the campaign's most striking images was the clash between a fleet of Brexit-supporting fishing crews that sailed up the Thames led by the then Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, and a rival pro-remain flotilla headed by the rock star Bob Geldof.

Despite making up only about 0.3% of the British economy, the fishing and aquaculture sector played an outsized role in the debate, with the leave campaign touting control of UK waters as a considerable Brexit prize.

Blue Passports: A Pyrrhic Win

Among all the promised Brexit benefits, the blue passport was something Britons would literally be able to grasp. It was rolled out in 2020, just as Covid suspended travel, but about 70% of the 54m UK passports in circulation are now the old navy colour, with the remaining burgundy all but extinct by 2030.

Brandished with relish by victorious Brexiter ministers, it proved a pyrrhic win. About 70m of the 90m UK overseas trips a year are made to Europe, the latest data shows. Where British passport holders were once fast-tracked through the borders with EU or EEA nationals, they now share a lane with the same rights as any far-flung visitor.

The Data Analysis

The UK's departure from the EU has had significant economic impacts. The country's GDP has been affected, with a 3.5% decline in 2020. The manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry, has seen significant job losses.

The Impact Analysis

Brexit has had far-reaching impacts on various sectors, including the automotive industry, fishing industry, and travel. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to investment delays and a decline in economic growth.

The Prediction

As the UK continues to navigate its new relationship with the EU, it is likely that the country will face ongoing challenges in areas such as trade, immigration, and economic growth. The next decade will be crucial in determining the long-term effects of Brexit on the UK's economy and society.