As the fifth anniversary of Brexit approaches, North East leaders discuss its impact and shifting public opinion on the decision to leave the EU.
Newcastle: January 31 marked five years since Britain officially left the EU. This moment came after years of political debates and two snap elections.
In the North East, most areas voted to leave, with Newcastle being the only one to remain. Recent polls suggest public opinion on Brexit is changing.
According to YouGov, only 11% view Brexit as a success. Over 60% see it as a failure, including 32% of those who voted to leave.
Sunderland was one of the first areas to declare its vote in 2016, with 61.3% supporting leave. This result shocked many across the country.
Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South, criticized the Conservative Party’s handling of Brexit. She stated they lacked a real plan.
Hodgson mentioned that the Labour Government aims to make Brexit work and boost the economy.
Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, believes there are still opportunities post-Brexit. He noted that the pandemic and the war in Ukraine complicate the assessment of Brexit’s impact.
He emphasized that benefiting from Brexit will require hard work, especially for the North East region.
While both main parties support Brexit, the Liberal Democrats are calling for a closer relationship with the EU again.
Greg Stone, a Liberal Democrat councillor, suggested rejoining the customs union could help economic growth.
Stone recalled being booed at a meeting five years ago for warning that Brexit would harm the region’s economy.
He pointed out that the negative effects on agriculture, fisheries, and universities are now clear. He believes the country is poorer and weaker than before.
Stone also criticized the government for spending on unnecessary bureaucracy without clear benefits. He advocates for rejoining the customs union to stimulate growth.
He hopes people recognize the politicians who led the country into difficult times instead of prosperity.
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