Brexit officially took effect in 2020, and the years since have been a whirlwind of, well, absolute rubbish, to be honest.
As we move further into the realities of that fateful 2016 vote, the effects of leaving the European Union are clearer than ever. Whether you’re a leaver or a remainer, here are 12 undeniable ways Britain has changed since Brexit — for better and worse.
1. Travel to the EU isn’t as easy as it used to be.
Source: Unsplash Gone are the days of hopping on a plane to Spain or France with just a quick wave of a British passport. Post-Brexit travel comes with longer queues, stricter passport checks, and limitations on how long Brits can stay in EU countries without a visa. The introduction of the EU’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in 2024 means travellers now need pre-clearance before visiting most European countries, adding extra hassle to holidays and business trips.
2. The UK’s economy is still feeling the squeeze.
Despite initial hopes for a post-Brexit economic boom, the reality has been more sluggish. The Office for Budget Responsibility reports that Brexit has reduced the UK’s GDP by around 4%, and trade with the EU has faced significant friction. The cost of living remains high due to increased import costs, supply chain disruptions, and a weaker pound. Industries like manufacturing, farming, and fishing have been particularly hard-hit by trade barriers and labour shortages.
3. Shopping for fresh produce has become pricier and less predictable.
Source: Unsplash Since Brexit, supply chain issues have occasionally left supermarket shelves looking sparse, particularly for fruits and vegetables. Delays at borders, additional paperwork, and reduced access to EU labour have made it harder to get produce into Britain quickly. While these disruptions are less frequent now than in the early days post-Brexit, prices remain higher, and shortages of certain goods still pop up, particularly during periods of high demand.
4. The NHS faces an even bigger staffing crisis.
EU workers once made up a significant portion of NHS staff, especially in nursing and care roles. Post-Brexit immigration rules have made it harder for European healthcare workers to come to the UK, exacerbating staffing shortages. With the NHS already strained by the pandemic, waiting times have increased, and services are stretched thin. Recruitment efforts have pivoted to non-EU countries, but the impact of losing thousands of European healthcare workers is still being felt.
5. UK universities are attracting fewer European students.
Before Brexit, European students paid the same tuition fees as domestic students and benefited from UK student loans. Now, they face international fees and no access to loans, causing a significant drop in EU student numbers. The decline impacts university funding and the cultural diversity on campuses. British students also no longer have access to the Erasmus exchange programme, limiting opportunities for international study.
6. Northern Ireland remains a point of contention.
The post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol aimed to avoid a hard border with Ireland, but it effectively kept Northern Ireland in the EU single market for goods. This created a de facto trade border in the Irish Sea, leading to political tension and logistical headaches. The 2023 Windsor Framework eased some restrictions, but debates around Northern Ireland’s status and identity remain heated, affecting both politics and everyday life.
7. The fishing industry’s “Brexit boom” didn’t happen.
Promises of reclaiming British waters and boosting the fishing industry haven’t materialised as expected. Fishermen face complicated export processes when selling to the EU, their biggest market, making it harder to turn a profit. Additional red tape and reduced quotas for some species have left many in the industry feeling betrayed. Small fishing businesses have struggled the most, and the industry remains in a state of uncertainty.
8. Immigration policies have shifted dramatically.
Freedom of movement between the UK and the EU ended with Brexit, and the UK introduced a points-based immigration system. While this has reduced the number of EU workers, it has increased non-EU immigration significantly. Sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and care have struggled to fill jobs traditionally held by EU nationals. The new rules aim to attract skilled workers, but labour shortages in key industries remain a problem.
9. British businesses are adapting or relocating.
Many businesses have had to rethink their strategies due to new trade barriers with the EU. Some smaller firms that relied on exporting to Europe have scaled back or closed altogether. Others have set up branches in EU countries to bypass customs issues. Large companies, especially in finance, have moved parts of their operations to European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt to maintain easier access to EU markets.
10. British expats in Europe face more bureaucracy.
Brits living in EU countries now deal with stricter residency requirements, permits, and paperwork. Many who enjoyed an easy life abroad have found themselves navigating complicated visa renewals and healthcare access rules. For retirees, the loss of automatic rights to live in sunny European countries has been a bitter pill to swallow. The dream of an effortless European lifestyle now comes with added hurdles and uncertainty.
11. The UK’s global influence has shifted.
Britain’s departure from the EU has altered its position on the world stage. While some celebrate the freedom to create independent trade deals, others note that the UK has less influence without the backing of the EU bloc. Negotiations for new agreements, such as with the US and Australia, have yielded mixed results. Britain’s “Global Britain” strategy is a work in progress, and the long-term effects on international clout remain to be seen.
12. There’s a lingering divide over Brexit itself.
Brexit was supposed to be a moment of clarity, but the country remains split on whether it was the right move. Polls suggest that more people now view Brexit as a mistake, especially among younger generations. The ongoing debates about its impacts on the economy, identity, and future direction of the UK continue to shape public discourse. This divide affects politics, friendships, and family dynamics, making it one of the most polarising issues in modern British history.
