Five years after Brexit: a good outcome?
Three and a half years passed between the Brexit referendum in June 2016 and its official implementation on 31 January 2020. The UK and the EU have been trying to reorganise their relationship ever since. Five years after the UK's departure, frustration prevails in the commentaries - albeit for very different reasons.
A heavily negative balance sheet
The Independent sees nothing but disadvantages:
“The free trade deals entered into since 2021 have been either marginal or detrimental to British farming. ... The preeminent fact is that the British economy is steadily and grimly proceeding on its path to a four per cent reduction in GDP, compared to the situation had the UK stayed in, and the loss will endure indefinitely. Brexit permanently destabilised the union and the Northern Ireland peace process, and divided the generations. The Brexit balance sheet is heavily negative. ... Economically and strategically, Britain would be better off in Europe. One day, even the Conservative Party, which took Britain into the EC in 1973, will come to see that.”
Use sovereignty and control immigration
The Daily Telegraph says it's time for the UK to make use of the sovereignty it has regained:
“With freedom of movement, the Government's ability to control the borders was limited already. Brexit put the tools to change that in the hands of politicians, even if they subsequently misused them. Should this or another Government really want to control the borders, they have the ability to rapidly reduce immigration, because of Brexit. ... Britain needs to complete the return of our sovereignty started by Brexit, by leaving the ECHR and any other international law which impedes control of our borders.”
A bird in the hand for two in the bush
The Neue Zürcher Zeitung takes stock:
“Complex customs declarations have to be made and proof of compliance with product standards is also required. Smaller companies with fewer resources have a much harder time dealing with this extra effort than large corporations. ... At the same time, it is conceivable that Brexit has not only reduced British trade in goods with the EU, but also with the rest of the world. ... While it's hard to discern any advantages from Brexit, the British are feeling the negative effects of the abolition of the free movement of persons. And immigration, a key reason for leaving the EU, has actually increased. With Brexit, the UK swapped a bird in the hand for two in the bush.”
Time for the Briturn
An increasingly harsh international environment will bring the UK and EU back together, Público believes:
“Today, all illusions on both sides of the Channel have been shattered. Five years after Brexit, the United Kingdom needs the European Union and the European Union needs the United Kingdom. To avoid being isolated, divided and vulnerable in a hostile world. For their democracies, for their strategic interests, for the peace and prosperity to which they have become accustomed. The majority of British want a rapprochement with Europe and distrust the US. The 'Briturn' movement has already been launched. That is a good sign.”