Is the UK doing worse after Brexit? Let’s Talk Truth

Whether the UK is doing worse after Brexit depends largely on who you ask, what day it is, and how much stock they’ve got in “making Britain great again.”

To answer this question in one word: it’s complicated. But if you’re looking for a more satisfying, nuanced answer.

The Economic Reality: Is Your Wallet Feeling Lighter?

First, let’s talk about how people care about money. And no, I don’t mean the Monopoly money some optimists seem to think we're playing with post-Brexit.

Since the referendum in 2016, the UK has experienced slower economic growth than its European neighbours. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated that Brexit could reduce the UK’s GDP by about 4% over the long term. That’s not just some abstract number; that’s lost jobs, higher costs for businesses, and you guessed it higher prices for you at the supermarket. Your Friday night curry might cost more now, and it's not because they’ve upgraded the rice.

Inflation has been making its best impression of a trampoline, and supply chains have the kind of chaos that would make a toddler’s birthday party look like a well-oiled machine. Remember when toilet paper shortages were a pandemic thing? Well, post-Brexit logistics hiccups have made shortages of random goods a new hobby for the UK.

For businesses, particularly those relying on EU trade, things haven’t exactly been rosy either. Red tape is now thicker than the fog over the English Channel, and that "frictionless" trade we were promised? Let’s just say it's got all the grace of a two-legged donkey trying to run a marathon.

The Political Landscape: Calm as a British Summer

If Brexit was supposed to resolve all political division in the UK, someone forgot to send the memo. In fact, it feels like someone added extra fuel to the fire instead. Scotland is flirting more seriously with independence than ever, and Northern Ireland is stuck in an awkward limbo thanks to the thorny problem of the Irish border.

Politically, the landscape looks like a family argument at Christmas that never really ended just quieter until someone brings up the Brussels sprouts (or Brussels, period).

International Influence: Are We Still a Big Deal?

Once upon a time, the UK had this self-image as a global leader, a big player on the world stage. But after Brexit? We’re a bit like that friend who insists they left the party early on purpose but secretly wishes they'd stayed because now no one remembers their name.

The UK’s influence in international politics has waned. When you’re no longer part of one of the world’s most prominent political blocs, you lose a bit of clout. Countries like the US and China now find the EU more of an attractive partner for trade deals and political alliances, and the UK is left standing in the corner, trying to strike up conversations that don't sound desperate.

That being said, there have been some wins. The UK has managed to ink some trade deals though, many of them are simply rehashed versions of ones we already had through the EU. So, are we trailblazing new territory? Not exactly. It's more like holding onto the handlebars while hoping we don’t veer off a cliff.

Social Impact: Is the "Brexit Spirit" Alive?

Ah, the promises of sovereignty, control of borders, and fewer immigrants. Depending on where you stand politically, you’re either thrilled or wondering where that magical sovereignty has gone.

For those who voted Leave hoping for fewer immigrants, the reality hasn’t exactly aligned with the headlines. Net migration to the UK hit record levels in 2023, and it turns out the challenges we face with migration aren’t quite as simple as leaving the EU.

And for the expats, there’s been a bit of a rude awakening. Those who were comfortably sunning themselves in Spain, living the dream, suddenly found out that their dream comes with more paperwork and less freedom of movement than they bargained for. Who knew Brexit would come with such a thick stack of forms?

So, Is the UK Worse Off?

Here’s the bottom line: if you were expecting Brexit to be a magic bullet that would instantly solve all of Britain’s problems, then yes, the UK is probably doing worse. The economy has taken a hit, political divisions have deepened, and international influence has shrunk.

However, if you’re one of those who saw Brexit as a necessary step to "take back control" despite the short-term pain, you might argue that the UK is laying the groundwork for future independence and self-sufficiency. But that’s the key phrase: "future." Right now, it feels more like a case of teething problems than a roaring success.

At the end of the day, whether Brexit was worth it is a debate that won’t end anytime soon. But if you’re struggling to pay your bills, seeing prices rise, or watching your business battle with EU red tape, the romantic idea of sovereignty might feel like cold comfort right now.

And hey, if all else fails, at least the UK can still boast about inventing the cup of tea. Even if those tea leaves don’t come from British soil.