Ten years after the Brexit referendum, former minister Esther McVey insists the British public was ahead of the political elite and that the reasons for leaving the EU remain valid. Writing for Express.co.uk, McVey argues that a repeat vote would likely produce an even larger majority for Leave, given the costs of membership and loss of control.
Why Brexit Still Resonates
McVey identifies three core reasons for the 2016 vote: democratic sovereignty, control over immigration, and economic independence. She highlights that EU legislation was initiated by unelected commissioners, leaving UK voters powerless. Since leaving, decisions are made by accountable UK politicians, which she says explains the rapid turnover of prime ministers.
On immigration, McVey notes that free movement has ended, but criticizes the current government for failing to control overall numbers, stating that accountability now lies with UK policymakers, not Brussels.
Economic Arguments and Trade Deals
McVey counters claims that Brexit damaged the economy, pointing out that the UK left the EU in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which she calls the real cause of economic strain. She cites that the UK economy has performed better than Germany's since the referendum. She also highlights post-Brexit trade deals with Australia, New Zealand, India, and entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would not have been possible inside the EU.
She states the UK was paying around £20 billion a year in membership fees while running a trade deficit with the EU of almost £100 billion, calling the EU a "backward-looking, inward-facing protection racket."
Warning Against Backdoor Re-entry
McVey warns that "sneaky Remoaners" and politicians like Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer are trying to rejoin the EU through the back door by agreeing to follow EU regulations. She accuses the political class and civil service of failing to capitalize on Brexit freedoms. "Now is not the time to falter and wobble over Brexit," she writes. "It is the time to capitalise on it."
She concludes that the public remains "miles ahead" of politicians on issues like immigration, crime, and welfare, and that the will of the people must prevail.
