The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020, after a long and divisive process. In the two years since then, the country has been grappling with the challenges and opportunities of Brexit.
Economic impact
The economic impact of Brexit has been mixed. On the one hand, the UK has been able to strike new trade deals with countries around the world, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These deals could boost trade and investment in the long term. However, the UK has also lost access to the EU single market and customs union, which has made it more difficult and expensive for businesses to trade with the EU. This has led to supply chain disruptions and higher costs for consumers and businesses.
Immigration
Another major impact of Brexit has been on immigration. The UK is no longer a member of the EU’s freedom of movement scheme, which means that it is now more difficult for EU citizens to live and work in the UK. This has led to a shortage of workers in key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.
Political impact
Brexit has also had a significant impact on British politics. The referendum on EU membership divided the country deeply, and the subsequent negotiations have been fraught with difficulty. This has led to a decline in public trust in the government and in the political system as a whole.
Overall, the UK is still adjusting to the new reality of Brexit. There have been both challenges and opportunities, and it is too early to say what the long-term impact will be. However, it is clear that Brexit has had a profound impact on the UK, both economically and politically.