•   Thursday, 17 Oct, 2024

How the big Tory idea for Brexit success turned into failure

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The promise of Brexit, heralded as a pathway to success for the UK, has increasingly become a narrative of disappointment and failure, particularly within the Conservative Party (Tories). Initially, Brexit supporters envisioned a transformation in trade and regulatory autonomy that would lead to economic growth. However, recent assessments reveal that many of these aspirations have not materialized, with a significant portion of the British public now viewing Brexit as more of a failure than a success.

Polls indicate that nearly two-thirds of Brits believe Brexit has failed, with only a small fraction considering it a success​. This sentiment aligns with critiques from key Brexit proponents like Nigel Farage, who argue that the current government has mishandled the transition, resulting in economic setbacks rather than the promised benefits​.

The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a long-term hit to the UK's GDP of around 4% due to Brexit​. Efforts to establish new trade agreements have also fallen short, as many deals are mere continuations of previous EU arrangements rather than groundbreaking agreements with significant economic impact. For instance, recent trade deals with Australia and New Zealand are projected to contribute minimally to the UK’s GDP.​

Furthermore, contrary to initial pledges, immigration levels have surged despite Brexit, leading to debates about the effectiveness of the new immigration policies.

Overall, the lofty ambitions associated with Brexit have clashed with economic realities and public expectations, leading to a broader perception of failure among the electorate and within the Tory party itself. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the Conservative leadership will address these challenges moving forward.

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