Ten years after Brexit, Britain continues to search for a new relationship with Europe
A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the debate over Brexit remains far from settled, with the British government pursuing closer ties with Brussels while ruling out any return to the bloc.
A decade after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the debate over Brexit remains far from settled, with the British government pursuing closer ties with Brussels while ruling out any return to the bloc. By , inNews·24 Jun 2026, 15:03·0 CommentsCredits: Unsplash;Author: @londonweddingphotographer;Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power in 2024 promising to improve relations with the EU and reduce barriers to trade, while maintaining Labour’s commitment not to rejoin the European Union, the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement. The approach reflects a balancing act that has defined British politics since Brexit took effect. While businesses continue to call for fewer trade barriers and smoother cooperation with Europe, political leaders remain cautious about reopening the wider question of EU membership. The government has focused on practical areas of cooperation, including efforts to simplify trade in food and agricultural products. Negotiations are continuing on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement that could reduce border checks and ease the movement of goods between the UK and EU. Analysts note that progress has been slower than many expected. Some argue that the government's self-imposed limits leave little room for major changes to the existing relationship, making meaningful reform difficult to achieve within a single parliamentary term. Questions about Brexit’s economic impact also continue to shape the discussion. Recent reporting by the BBC, citingBank of Englanddata, suggested that the UK economy may be around 6% smaller than it would otherwise have been without Brexit-related effects. Public opinionPublic opinion has also evolved over the past decade. A recentYouGovsurvey found that 57% of respondents now believe leaving the European Union was the wrong decision, including a significant number of voters who originally supported Brexit. Other polls have indicated growing support for closer cooperation with Europe, although views on rejoining remain more complicated. Many voters who favour stronger ties continue to support retaining greater national control over areas such as laws, borders and economic policy. Political observers suggest that even if future governments sought a more ambitious reset with Europe, any move towards rejoining the EU would likely require years of negotiations and significant political support. For now, Britain appears focused on improving practical cooperation with its largest trading partner while remaining outside the European Union, a position that continues to define the country's political and economic landscape ten years after the historic referendum. Kam Heskin is a writer, creative producer, and former Hollywood actress (Catch Me If You Can, The Prince & Me), now based in Portugal, bringing a global perspective and storytelling voice toThe Portugal News. Kam HeskinSupport The Portugal NewsWe are proud to provide our readers from around the world with independent, honest and unbiased news for free – both online and in print. Our dedicated team supports the local community, foreign residents and visitors of all nationalities through our newspaper, website, social media and our newsletter. We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to, we ask you tosupport The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small. Be the first to comment on this articleMore in NewsLisbon to have a new rapid tram lineInNews,Lisbon-24 Jun 2026, 14:03GNR seizes more than 2,800 kilos of sardines in Portugal portInNews-24 Jun 2026, 13:33Consumers advised to check for “Volta” symbol before paying the deposit in PortugalInNews-24 Jun 2026, 13:03Related articlesBrussels approves future digital euro in the European UnionInNews-23 Jun 2026, 18:03European Union air rights ban extra charges for family seatsInNews-22 Jun 2026, 19:33Poll Suggests Most Britons Oppose Giving Up Brexit Powers for Closer EU TiesInNews,United Kingdom-08 Jun 2026, 16:03Is the United Kingdom considering rejoining European Union?InNews,United Kingdom-23 Mar 2026, 16:03PopularMore than 10,000 local accommodation registrations cancelled across PortugalIn -12 Jun 2026, 08:03Bonnie Tyler's team provides an update on the singer's health status hospitalised in PortugalIn -12 Jun 2026, 18:03Portugal consumers association says beachgoers can place umbrellas in front of concessionsIn -12 Jun 2026, 16:33