Ten years after the 2016 EU referendum, the political divide between Leave and Remain voters continues to strain family relationships, according to personal accounts shared by Remain voters. While some families have managed to move past their differences, others remain deeply divided, with the "family rift as strong as ever."
Painful Divisions Within Families
Al Moore, 58, a data scientist from London who voted Remain, expressed lingering resentment toward his late father's Leave vote. "My father voted leave as a protest vote against [what he believed was] German supremacy – against the interests of his own children and grandchildren," Moore said. "Like so many Brexiters, Dad has since died and left us in this mess – and I slightly resent him for his vote." Despite their disagreement, Moore noted they remained close, avoiding the topic. "We still loved each other, but disagreed, that's all," he added.
Sally, 55, a computing professional from south Wales, described a complete breakdown in communication with her mother-in-law over Brexit. "It broke the family relationship because she says she did it to protect her grandchildren and is oblivious to the fact that her vote denied them opportunities," Sally said. The family now avoids discussing the issue, but tensions remain high. "We had a rule that we wouldn't discuss it, but when she pressed the buttons one day, we ended up having a massive argument about it," she recalled.
Loneliness and Regret Among Remainers
Jane, a retired woman from Greater Manchester, felt isolated as the only Remain voter in her family. "I felt like an outlier. I was a lone voice, and it was a very painful, difficult, lonely and exhausting time," she said. Her late husband and one sister immediately regretted their Leave votes, but Jane found little solace. "My husband was embarrassed and kind of angry with me. My sister was awkward around me and kept saying: 'I'm so sorry, why didn't I listen to you?' My thoughts were: 'Well, you didn't listen to me, and it's too late now,'" she said. The referendum also exposed deeper political rifts, with Jane realizing how far to the right her other sister had moved.
Friendships Survive Despite Political Differences
Not all relationships suffered. James, 60, a retail director from East Sussex, maintained a 35-year friendship with a couple who voted Leave. On holiday in Italy during the referendum, James was "shocked and appalled" to learn of their vote but chose to prioritize the friendship. "I firmly believed our friendship was more important than this event. We agreed to disagree, and we are still the best of friends now. People can disagree without falling out," he said.
These accounts highlight the enduring impact of Brexit on personal relationships, with some families still struggling to bridge the divide a decade later.
