Brexit After Ten Years: A Triumph of Sovereignty or a Heavy Price to Pay?

Dr Al-Sadiq Ali Haj Al-Sheikh
Ten years have passed since the United Kingdom chose to sail away from the European harbour in which it had been anchored for more than four decades. In the summer of 2016, the referendum was not merely a fleeting political moment but a profound turning point that divided the nation between those who viewed it as the restoration of sovereignty and national decision-making, and those who regarded it as a venture into uncertain territory.
Since then, Brexit has remained embedded in every aspect of British political and economic life. It is an issue whose ultimate significance has yet to be fully settled and an event that continues to reshape the United Kingdom’s place both within Europe and on the global stage.
From the European Fold to “Global Britain”
The process of leaving the European Union unfolded through a series of complex stages before being formally completed in January 2020, ushering in a new phase of redefining the United Kingdom’s international position.
Britain moved from being a member of a shared European system, influencing decisions from within, to engaging with Europe from the outside through bilateral agreements and a separate trade and security framework—one that offers greater flexibility but considerably less influence over the formulation of European rules and regulations.
Although London regained legislative and regulatory autonomy, along with independent control over immigration policy, these gains came with significant practical challenges, most notably the need to reorganise supply chains and redefine its relationship with its largest direct trading partner, the European Union.
The Economy: The Gains of Independence and the Cost of New Frictions
Economically, Brexit has had a clear impact on trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union. British businesses have had to navigate new customs and regulatory procedures that have increased the cost of doing business, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which had relied heavily on access to the European market.
Britain’s attractiveness as an international investment hub has also been affected, with the country losing part of its appeal as a gateway to Europe. Consequently, some companies have redistributed their investments across EU member states.
In the labour market, the decline in the number of European workers has created shortages in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and hospitality, despite government efforts to address these gaps through a skills-based immigration system.
Conversely, supporters of Brexit argue that the United Kingdom has regained greater flexibility in shaping its economic and trade policies and has concluded independent agreements with countries beyond Europe, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Nevertheless, most assessments suggest that economic growth has been slower than it would likely have been if the country had remained in the European Union.
Domestic Politics: From Division to Realignment
Brexit continues to represent a defining dividing line in British politics, although the intensity of the debate has diminished compared with the years immediately following the referendum.
The Conservative Party continues to regard Brexit as the restoration of national sovereignty. At the same time, the Labour Party has adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on improving relations with Brussels without advocating a return to EU membership.
Meanwhile, public opinion has gradually shifted, particularly among younger generations, who generally favour closer ties with Europe in education, employment and freedom of movement. This reflects a more measured reassessment of the costs associated with separation.
Foreign Policy: Between “Global Britain” and the Limits of Influence
Following its departure from the European Union, the United Kingdom adopted the “Global Britain” strategy, seeking to reposition itself as an independent international power. However, this ambition has encountered the realities of an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, where British influence depends more on alliances than on unilateral action.
Relations with the European Union have evolved into a structured external partnership governed by agreements that preserve cooperation in trade and security while reducing Britain’s influence within European decision-making institutions.
With the United States, the longstanding “special relationship” remains strategically strong, particularly within NATO and across major security issues. However, tactical differences have emerged over certain crises, including those in the Middle East, where Britain has generally favoured de-escalation rather than direct military engagement.
In this context, Africa—and Sudan in particular—has emerged as a clear example of Britain’s post-Brexit foreign policy approach. The United Kingdom has sought to strengthen its direct bilateral engagement with Khartoum, focusing on humanitarian assistance, diplomatic initiatives and support for civilian political processes, particularly amid the current conflict.
However, Britain’s influence on the ground has remained limited compared with the period when it operated within a collective European framework. Intensifying competition among regional and international powers for influence in Africa has meant that London’s role has been characterised more by diplomatic pressure than by decisive influence over the course of events.
How Has Public Sentiment Changed in Britain and Europe?
A decade after the referendum, Brexit is discussed more calmly and pragmatically within the United Kingdom. The sharp divisions of the past have largely given way to practical debates on managing its economic and political consequences.
Within the European Union, meanwhile, Brexit has become an institutional lesson, reinforcing member states’ commitment to European integration and strengthening the conviction that withdrawal carries significant political and economic costs.
Conclusion
Ten years on, Brexit cannot simply be categorised as either an outright success or an unequivocal failure. Rather, it is a transformative experience that has redefined the United Kingdom’s position in the world and compelled it to reassess both the instruments of its power and the limits of its influence.
Britain has undoubtedly regained a greater degree of political independence. Yet, it has simultaneously entered a more complex phase in which it must balance sovereignty with openness, and global ambition with practical constraints.
As the United Kingdom continues to redefine its international role, Europe remains more committed than ever to its unity and increasingly conscious of the costs of fragmentation. Between the two lies a relationship shaped not by membership but by history, geography and shared interests, ensuring that Brexit remains one of the most consequential political transformations in contemporary Europe.
Researcher in Political and International Affairs, specialising in geopolitical transformations and international relations.

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