Britain's parliamentary elections on Thursday will result in one of the biggest election defeats for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party and will bring current Labor opposition leader Keir Starmer to power. But it is not yet clear to what extent British politics has processed the still hushed up and ignored Brexit departure from the EU.
So far in the election campaign, it seems that Labor does not want to make any definitive statements, while a majority of British voters now regret the Brexit referendum. Both the Conservatives and Labor appear to be avoiding the topic, although Brexit has had significant consequences for the British economy and society.
Instead, both parties focus on domestic issues such as the cost of living, health care and immigration. The absence of Brexit from the debates has led to accusations of a “conspiracy of silence” surrounding one of the most dramatic political changes in recent British history.
Recent polls show that a majority of British voters now regret the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which a slim majority voted to leave the EU. Many voters feel misled by the promises made at the time and regret the economic and social consequences of Brexit.
This sentiment is reinforced by the fact that Britain has faced significant trade barriers and a decline in economic growth since leaving the EU. However, the lasting consequences of Brexit remain a complex and largely undiscussed issue, even as the country is set to move in a new political direction.
Keir Starmer and his Labor Party have indicated that they will not push for renegotiations with Brussels to rejoin the EU. Instead, Labor wants to improve ties with the EU and wants closer economic and diplomatic cooperation.
This pragmatic position seems aimed at avoiding further division and an attempt to save money. In that sense, Starner is left with the legacy of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, who also kept Labor on a wavering and faltering European course for many years.
The Institute for Government emphasizes that Brexit continues to have a huge impact on daily life in Britain. From trade barriers to workforce issues in various sectors, the consequences of Brexit continue to be felt.
Freight transport for import and export is still a mess, and many industries such as agriculture are facing major workforce shortages because cheap 'foreign' personnel from Eastern European EU countries are no longer allowed into the country.
The upcoming election is likely to see a significant political shift in Britain, with Labor taking power from the Conservatives. The main question will be whether the conservative Tories will be almost completely wiped out after years of political muddle policy (four prime ministers in five years). Small, outspoken pro-EU parties (LibDem's, Greens, Rejoin) could also gain a lot of support.