Politico: Is Brexit's peak over? UK faces calls to rejoin EU

British voters are gearing up for their first post-EU general election this Thursday, marking a significant milestone since Brexit. However, the grand vision of Brexit has largely unraveled, with key architects of the Leave campaign stepping away from politics. Boris Johnson, once a dominant figure, has left parliament for lucrative speaking engagements, while others like Michael Gove have also exited the political stage. Dominic Cummings, known for his strategic role in Brexit, now writes on eclectic topics like Dostoevsky and TikTok.

The Brexit envisioned during the 2016 referendum, promising sweeping deregulation and robust free trade agreements, has faltered. Plans to dismantle EU regulations en masse have been abandoned, and the anticipated economic benefits have failed to materialize. Public services in Britain have struggled, contrary to promises made, and immigration levels remain high despite pledges to control them.

Keir Starmer's Labour Party, potentially poised for a landmark victory in the upcoming election, has pivoted to a stance of "Making Brexit Work," signaling continuity rather than reversal. However, this approach has left Brexiteers skeptical, fearing Labour's potential alignment with EU regulations could stifle further deregulation and hinder new global trade deals.

The pursuit of post-Brexit free trade agreements, a cornerstone promise of leaving the EU, has yielded underwhelming results. Most agreements are continuations of existing EU deals or with distant partners offering minimal economic impact. Even high-profile agreements with Australia and New Zealand contribute negligibly to the UK's GDP, underscoring the limited gains achieved.

Efforts to strip away EU laws and regulations have also encountered setbacks, despite initial fervor among Brexit supporters. The promised "bonfire of EU laws" has largely fizzled out, with pragmatic adjustments and retention of many regulations deemed essential for stability and economic functionality.

Migration policies have undergone significant changes post-Brexit, with net migration to the UK surging despite the end of freedom of movement with the EU. This increase, fueled by non-EU citizens arriving for work and study, reflects ongoing economic needs conflicting with political promises of stricter immigration controls.

Critics argue that Brexit's economic impact has been detrimental, with forecasts suggesting a long-term reduction in GDP and minimal compensatory gains from new trade agreements. The healthcare sector, once promised a financial windfall from Brexit savings, continues to face funding challenges, exacerbating existing strains on public services.

Amid these challenges, some observers believe Brexit's apex has passed, with calls for a more pragmatic approach gaining traction. However, the prospect of rejoining the EU remains remote, as both political realities and established agreements suggest a fixed relationship for the foreseeable future.

In summary, while Brexit has reshaped British politics and policy, its outcomes have fallen short of initial promises, leaving the country grappling with economic, regulatory, and political consequences that continue to evolve post-EU departure.

[Information sourced from Politico]