Prime Minister Keir Starmer came to power in 2024 promising to improve relations with the EU and reduce barriers to trade, while maintaining Labour’s commitment not to rejoin the European Union, the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

The approach reflects a balancing act that has defined British politics since Brexit took effect. While businesses continue to call for fewer trade barriers and smoother cooperation with Europe, political leaders remain cautious about reopening the wider question of EU membership.

The government has focused on practical areas of cooperation, including efforts to simplify trade in food and agricultural products. Negotiations are continuing on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement that could reduce border checks and ease the movement of goods between the UK and EU.

Analysts note that progress has been slower than many expected. Some argue that the government's self-imposed limits leave little room for major changes to the existing relationship, making meaningful reform difficult to achieve within a single parliamentary term.

Questions about Brexit’s economic impact also continue to shape the discussion. Recent reporting by the BBC, citing Bank of England data, suggested that the UK economy may be around 6% smaller than it would otherwise have been without Brexit-related effects.

Public opinion

Public opinion has also evolved over the past decade. A recent YouGov survey found that 57% of respondents now believe leaving the European Union was the wrong decision, including a significant number of voters who originally supported Brexit.

Other polls have indicated growing support for closer cooperation with Europe, although views on rejoining remain more complicated. Many voters who favour stronger ties continue to support retaining greater national control over areas such as laws, borders and economic policy.

Political observers suggest that even if future governments sought a more ambitious reset with Europe, any move towards rejoining the EU would likely require years of negotiations and significant political support.

For now, Britain appears focused on improving practical cooperation with its largest trading partner while remaining outside the European Union, a position that continues to define the country's political and economic landscape ten years after the historic referendum.