One part of U.K. is enjoying a Brexit boost 10 years after vote

A decade after the 2016 Brexit referendum, Northern Ireland is enjoying a notable economic boost from its unique access to EU markets. The region has posted about 6% growth since 2022, outpacing the UK’s 2.8% pace, and property values climbed around 7.4% over the year to February. Local business Crushing Screening Parts Ltd. exemplifies the benefit, able to ship a hydraulic component to Berlin by 10 a.m. next day with no paperwork. While some academics and politicians critique Brexit, NI’s special status supports a thriving economy and cross-border trade, though Bloomberg Economics cautions that leaving the EU may have long-term costs of 2-4% of UK output. Labour leadership contenders debate rejoining the EU to improve ties, highlighting a broader political debate about the country’s future path. Amid protests in Belfast over separate issues, the overall message remains that Northern Ireland’s market access is fueling growth more robustly than many parts of the UK.