Ten years after the 2016 referendum, a review of key Brexit promises reveals mixed outcomes. The Vote Leave campaign's claim that leaving the EU would free up £350m a week for the NHS was highly contested from the start, as experts noted it ignored UK benefits from EU membership. Health spending has risen in real terms, but economists say Brexit likely made the economy smaller, reducing tax revenues and offsetting any savings from EU contributions.
On bureaucracy, promises to cut red tape have not materialised for many businesses. Charles Carey, founder of The Oil Merchant, says rules on olive oil labelling remain unchanged since before the referendum. The EU's ban on bendy bananas was often cited as an example of excessive regulation, but the UK has not significantly diverged from such standards.
Border control, another key promise, remains problematic. Post-Brexit trade barriers have increased paperwork and costs for exporters, while the government has delayed full customs checks on EU imports multiple times. The hoped-for 'taking back control' of borders has not led to a reduction in net migration, which actually rose after Brexit.
Overall, the economic impact of Brexit is estimated to have reduced GDP by 4-8%, according to recent figures cited by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. While some promises, like increased NHS funding, were partially fulfilled, the broader benefits touted by campaigners have not been realised, leaving many voters disappointed.
