Five years after the UK formally left the European Union, the question remains: has Brexit delivered? Labour leader Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves have criticized the Conservative government's handling of Brexit, arguing it has harmed trade and hindered the UK's ability to address pressing issues. Despite the government's efforts to mend relations with European allies, a recent poll shows waning public support for Brexit, with only 30% of Britons believing it was the right decision. Labour pledges to build a stronger relationship with Brussels, aiming for a 'reset' of UK-EU relations.
It's Friday, January 31 - marking the fifth anniversary of the UK's formal exit from the European Union, concluding a 47-year association with the political and economic union. But has Brexit delivered on its promises? Rachel Reeves, the Labour shadow chancellor, has been vocal in her criticism of the Conservative government's handling of Brexit, arguing that it has 'reduced trade flows' with Europe and hampered the UK's ability to address the Channel migrant crisis.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has echoed these sentiments, rebuking Boris Johnson's agreement as flawed and detrimental to the nation's interests. The current government is actively seeking to mend the 'fractured' relations with close European allies. Just this week, the Chancellor stated that the UK is 'absolutely happy' to explore a tariff-free trading arrangement while simultaneously reaffirming the nation's 'red lines' on matters of EU membership. Labour has firmly rejected any notions of rejoining the customs union or single market but pledges to foster a stronger bond with Brussels, aiming for a 'reset' of UK-EU relations. Reeves stated: 'It's not working well enough for small businesses trying to export, it's not working well enough for larger businesses either. 'We're grown-ups who admit that, whereas the previous government said there were no problems at all. And where there are constructive ideas we are happy to look at those, as long as they're consistent with the red lines we set out in our manifesto'. A recent YouGov poll revealed a significant shift in British public opinion regarding Brexit, with only 30 per cent believing it was the right decision to leave the EU, while 55 per cent now consider it a misstep and 11 per cent view it more as a failure than a success. Surprisingly, the survey found that one in six people who voted for Brexit believe they made the wrong choice, suggesting waning confidence in the UK's departure from the EU since the 2020 referendum. Reacting to Labour's Rachel Reeves criticism of the Conservative government's Brexit approach, opinion among Mirror readers largely aligned with the Shadow Chancellor's stance. One reader, Kemper, commented: 'Johnson's deal with the EU was anti-business. We were promised better prospects, less red tape, cheap clothes and food. It is anything but and small business have been sold out. 'Labour need to develop better relations and repair some of the damage, if we want to improve the economy. ' Other opinions expressed strong views on the nation's post-Brexit status. Midchester UTD stated: 'The country is stronger in Europe than out. Get it sorted.' MaximeRoche took a more direct stance: 'I want to Rejoin. As a full EU member. Or through the back door. I don't care. No second referendum. Just do it.
BREXIT UK EUROPEAN UNION LABOUR CONSERVATIVE TRADE PUBLIC OPINION RELATIONS EU
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