Britain’s decision to Brexit has already imposed a significant economic and practical cost for far fewer gains than were promised.
But Brexit isn’t done hurting us. In a world of trade wars, energy shocks and geopolitical instability, choosing to erect barriers with our largest market has made Britain more exposed, less resilient and less able to absorb global shocks.
The cruel irony is that Brexit was sold as a route to prosperity and control. Instead, it has left Britain facing the very thing economists fear most: stagflation - higher prices, weaker growth and falling living standards.
The Economist nails the moment: Trump, Xi and Putin see Europe as soft and doomed. They prefer raw power and winner-takes-all politics.
But in a world of radical uncertainty, AI disruption, shifting alliances, unknown economic winners, Europe’s bet on rules, consensus and cooperation could prove far wiser than isolation or brute force.
Brexit took Britain out of that European bloc just as collective strength became more valuable than ever. We’re now more exposed, not more sovereign.
The public is realising this. That’s why rejoin support is at 62% and climbing.