UK Marks Ninth Brexit Anniversary Amid Divided Public Opinion

As the UK marks nine years since the Brexit referendum, opinions remain sharply divided on its success. The Labour government led by Keir Starmer has sought to repair relations with the EU, recently announcing a 'common sense' deal aimed at easing trade and travel, including reinstating airport e-gates for tourists and enabling businesses to export more freely to Europe. This marks a notable shift from the earlier tensions and fractious negotiations seen under previous Conservative administrations. Meanwhile, campaigners and polling data highlight ongoing public regret over Brexit, with many Britons expressing a desire to rejoin the EU despite political and practical obstacles. Experts note a new era of UK-EU relations characterized by pragmatic cooperation, where the UK is choosing to align with certain EU regulations to facilitate smoother trade, though this comes with trade-offs in regulatory sovereignty. The complex legacy of Brexit continues to influence UK politics, public sentiment, and economic policy as the country navigates its post-EU future.