What to know about the legacy of Brexit, which still divides Britain 10 years on

Brexit’s legacy, still dividing Britain 10 years on, is defined by unresolved economic and political tensions as the UK approaches a decade since the EU referendum. On June 23, 2016, voters chose to leave the European Union with 52%—over 17 million people—backing Brexit, setting off the biggest upheaval since World War II. Although the formal exit process took nearly five years, the referendum continues to shape identities and complicate efforts to “reset” relations with the EU, especially as Nigel Farage’s Reform U.K. gains momentum and polls favor closer ties. The article says trade frictions remain despite no tariffs, pointing to non-tariff barriers such as customs paperwork, border certifications, and visa restrictions. It also cites expert estimates that the UK economy is 4% to 8% smaller than it would have been under an EU-remain vote, while supporters argue the impact cannot be judged in the short term.