Was Brexit the Wrong Choice? Tackling Misconceptions and Assumptions

The question of whether Brexit was the wrong choice remains a contentious topic, with many believing that the UK’s independence from the EU was a misguided move. Critics claim that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union was based on unrealistic expectations and a failure to consider real-world economic and geopolitical realities. In this article, we explore the common misconceptions and assumptions surrounding the Brexit decision and provide a more nuanced understanding of what led to the UK's vote to leave the EU in 2016.

The Majority’s Frustration with EU Control

The majority of British citizens expressed dissatisfaction with EU control over their destiny. Many felt that their independence was crucial to preserve a sense of national sovereignty. This view is rooted in a general dislike for the political and economic union, as the UK desires more autonomy in decision-making.

Economic Imbalances and Trade Dependencies

One of the main reasons for the UK’s vote to leave the EU was the perceived imbalance in trade. The UK imported billions more pounds of goods from the EU than it exported. This economic dependency highlights the importance of the UK being able to legislate for itself and to seek better trade deals outside the EU.

A key factor often overlooked is the UK’s sovereignty over its fishing waters and its military. The EU’s desire to maintain this control was a significant point of contention, leading many to believe that leaving the EU was necessary to protect these vital interests.

The Impact of Commonwealth Relations

While the Commonwealth and other partners were mentioned during the campaign, their impact on the immediate referendum question was minimal. The UK's desire to improve relations with these countries is a valid goal, but it did not influence the core argument for leaving the EU.

Global Trade Opportunities and Political Synergies

Despite the narrative of returning to past trade relationships, the reality is that the world, including Trump who was a vocal supporter of Brexit, has been eager to offer trade deals. Richard Nixon, before Trump, also recognized the potential for such deals. The idea that countries would suddenly drop existing arrangements and flood back to the UK is, as one expert states, one of the many delusions of the Brexiteers. CANZUK, a concept that emerged from extreme Brexiteer ideas, remains a fascination rather than a real proposal.

The Long-Term Benefits of Independence

Many argue that becoming an independent sovereign country was the best long-term strategy for the UK. This proposition assumes that the aftermath of Brexit would not be filled with chaos and that sufficient plans were in place to navigate the new landscape. In reality, the lack of a concrete plan was apparent, leading to significant political and economic challenges.

Leadership and Miscalculations

Leaders who campaigned for Brexit, such as Boris Johnson, sometimes had their own agenda. Johnson’s ascension to prime minister was seen as a result of his support for Brexit. Interestingly, Johnson did not seem concerned about the long-term impact of Brexit, stating that the UK would struggle. This reveals a lack of foresight and planning from some of the key leaders involved in the decision.

Embracing a Future-Oriented Approach to Brexit

While some continue to argue for recreating the past, it is clear that Brexit is about embracing a future-oriented approach. The UK must look beyond the political and economic constraints of the EU and seek a new era of international cooperation and trade. This future-oriented approach is not about going back to a pre-EU era, but rather about creating a new and more sustainable order for the UK.

Ultimately, the UK’s decision to leave the EU was a complex and multifaceted choice. While there were valid concerns and desires for independence, the lack of a comprehensive plan and the impact of emotionally-driven decisions have left many questioning whether Brexit was the wrong choice. As the UK navigates the post-Brexit landscape, a future-oriented and forward-thinking approach is essential for its economic and political well-being.