Brexit Unfolded: How no one got what they wanted (and why they were never going to)

The 2016 Brexit vote divided Britain and unleashed years of political turmoil. Many remain unreconciled to Brexit, while some of those most committed to it are angry and dissatisfied with what was delivered. Chris Grey argues that this painful legacy was all but inevitable, skillfully unpacking how and why the promise of Brexit dissolved during the confusing and often dramatic events that followed the referendum.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Britain's 2016 vote to leave the EU, a decision that divided the nation and sparked years of political turmoil, continues to be a contentious issue. While some remain steadfast in their support for Brexit, others are angry and dissatisfied with the outcome. In this insightful analysis, Chris Grey argues that this painful legacy was largely inevitable, skillfully unraveling the factors that led to the dissolution of Brexit's promise during the confusing and often dramatic events that followed the referendum.

This revised edition, now updated with an afterword covering each aspect of the Brexit debate since the end of the transition period in 2021, remains an essential guide to one of the most fiercely debated topics of our time.

The decision to leave the EU was driven by a range of factors, including concerns about immigration, sovereignty, and the economy. However, the process of implementing Brexit was fraught with challenges, including negotiations with the EU and the UK's own political divisions.

One of the key factors that contributed to the dissolution of Brexit's promise was the lack of a clear plan or vision for what the country wanted to achieve after leaving the EU. This led to confusion and uncertainty among voters and politicians alike, as different factions within the government and opposition had competing ideas about the future of the country.

Another factor that played a role in the collapse of Brexit was the rise of populist movements and the political polarization that followed. Many voters were attracted to the idea of Brexit as a way to reclaim control from the establishment and to return to a more nationalist and isolationist approach to politics. However, as the process of leaving the EU unfolded, it became clear that this vision was not realistic, and that the country would face significant economic and political challenges as a result.

The negotiations with the EU were also a significant source of contention. The UK's demands for a hard Brexit, which aimed to limit immigration and control trade, were met with resistance from the EU, which emphasized the importance of maintaining close economic and political ties with the UK. This led to lengthy and complex negotiations, which ultimately resulted in a deal that was far from what many Brexit supporters had hoped for.

Despite these challenges, there are still some who argue that Brexit was the right decision for the country. They argue that it will allow the UK to regain its sovereignty and control its own borders, and that it will be able to strike new trade deals with other countries. However, these arguments are contested by those who point to the economic and political risks associated with Brexit, including the potential for a recession, increased uncertainty, and reduced trade with the EU.

In conclusion, Britain's 2016 vote to leave the EU remains a divisive and contentious issue. While some remain committed to the idea of Brexit, others are angry and dissatisfied with the outcome. The process of implementing Brexit was fraught with challenges, and the lack of a clear plan or vision for what the country wanted to achieve after leaving the EU contributed to the dissolution of Brexit's promise. The rise of populist movements and political polarization also played a significant role in the collapse of Brexit, as many voters were attracted to the idea of a more nationalist and isolationist approach to politics, but the reality of leaving the EU was far from what they had hoped for. As the country continues to navigate the complex and uncertain waters of Brexit, it is clear that the legacy of this decision will continue to shape politics and society for years to come.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785908279