To commemorate the anniversary of the Brexit referendum, we asked six former contributors to give us their thoughts on Brexit 10 years on. Here’s what they had to say.
David Henig
Behind the daily dramas, the story of Brexit was that reality won over fantasy, that geography and inter-connectivity matter, and that the UK-EU negotiation is therefore permanent. These talks could come as members, angry divorcees, or a former couple returning to civility, but there are too many subjects of common interest for the relationship to be ignored as some would like.
Nor will the UK ever be dictating the terms, though it remains an important neighbour to Member States, but equally the EU won’t be able to ignore the relationship either. Once this all becomes clear, it is simply (!) a matter of the UK understanding what it wants and setting up everything required to achieve this, as against an EU for which such things are routine for good and bad. I fear though that such basics will continue to be ignored.
Gina Miller
Brexit was built on lies. The way back must be built on honesty.
Brexit was won on lies, by people with little interest in those left to live with the consequences. Ten years on, ordinary citizens are still paying, not least expats in Europe, who lost freedom of movement to a slogan.
The toll is stark: billions in lost exports, weaker growth, deferred investment. But the damage was also democratic, leaving a corrosive mistrust that populism thrives on.
Many of you want to rejoin, and I share that destination. But rejoining could take 10 to 15 years, while the poison festers. There is a faster way to heal. A Swiss option, the EU–Switzerland “Bilaterals III” deal of March 2026 is less elegant than membership but achievable in a few years and is not about surrender but serious, sensible action. By restoring cooperation, lifting barriers, and putting free movement back on the table, any future rejoin would come from far more stable, stronger ground.
The window is open – a Reform-led government could shut it within three years.
Anand Menon
Ten years on from the EU referendum and Brexit is still not ‘done’. Partly, that’s a function of how awful the EU is at joining with neighbours who do not aspire to join. Partly – ask the Swiss – it’s down to the fact that maintaining close ties requires almost permanent adaptation.
What is beyond doubt is that being outside the EU will mean we spend more time thinking about it than we ever did as a member state. The fact is – as neighbours of China and the US will confirm – living on the doorstep of a continental sized economy is never comfortable or easy. This is not necessarily a case for rejoining. Simply a warning that being out will bring its own challenges.
Liz Webster
Ten years on, Brexit stands as one of the greatest acts of economic self-harm in modern British history.
As a farmer, I have watched British agriculture become the sacrificial lamb of Brexit. Brexit has opened our market to greater competition, while our European neighbours continue to benefit from collective support and strategic protection.
At a time of global instability, from climate shocks to conflicts threatening vital trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, Europe has recognised food as a strategic asset. European farmers are receiving additional support to maintain production and resilience. Meanwhile, British farmers face falling confidence, soaring costs and successive governments that refuse to put food security at the heart of national policy.
Brexit promises have all turned to dust, sovereignty has materialised as weakened resilience. More British voters now realise that in an increasingly uncertain world, strength comes from cooperation, not isolation, and want to rejoin the EU.
Richard Corbett
Contrary to what many politicians expected, the public didn’t rally behind Brexit once it had happened. A majority now say they support rejoining the EU. Leave voters see that Brexit bears no resemblance to what was promised.
Brexit has damaged the economy to an even greater extent than predicted, lost an annual £100bn of tax revenue, created extra red tape and inconvenience for UK citizens trading with or travelling to our neighbouring countries, and made it more difficult for Britain to participate in the wide range of matters handled multilaterally within the EU. This includes medical research, access to police databases, identifying and handling dangerous chemicals, food safety, trade sanctions, student exchanges, recognition of qualifications, and much else.
Furthermore, the geopolitical situation has changed, with a militarily aggressive Russia, an unreliable USA, and a more assertive China, making us increasingly aware of the interests and values we share across Europe. Time for more ambition!
Caroline Lucas
Looking back at the referendum 10 years ago, what can we learn? That top-down, technocratic arguments in favour of Remain didn’t work then (as some of us warned that they wouldn’t at the time) and certainly won’t work in the campaign to rejoin. Instead, we need to make a forward-looking, inclusive, values-based argument, based not only on the fact that it’s clearly in our best economic interests, but also on the idea of choosing a side. In an increasingly insecure world, with the US an ever more insular and unreliable partner, our future lies with our European neighbours, who still largely share our democratic values.
It’s time for the Government to tear up its red lines and start taking practical steps towards EU membership. The world has changed and so has public opinion. What better way for a new Prime Minister to signal a new beginning?
Coming next
Bremainers Ask will be taking a break in July, but we’re delighted to announce our contributor for August Alyn Smith – Scottish National Party MSP.
As well as being the MSP for Stirling, Alyn serves as Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee, focusing on Europe, the economy and growth, public service reform and building a case for independence in Europe.
Alyn served as an MEP in Brussels for 15 years representing Scotland and is Vice President of European Movement Scotland.
If you wish to submit a question(s) for consideration, please email us no later than noon on Saturday 8 August.
