Ten years after Brexit, this is the UK: a divided nation frozen in time | Aditya Chakrabortty

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Ten Years Post-Brexit: A Divided UK

As the UK marks a decade since the Brexit referendum, new research indicates that political tribalism has intensified rather than diminished. The referendum, held on June 23, 2016, fundamentally altered the landscape of British politics, creating a divide between "remainers" and "leavers" that persists today.

A significant 60% of the population continues to identify with their Brexit stance, indicating that the referendum's impact extends beyond mere policy changes. Voters have increasingly adopted these identities as core aspects of their personal and political personas, overshadowing traditional party affiliations.

The ongoing division has manifested in a fractious political environment, with internal conflicts within the Conservative Party and broader societal tensions. The ramifications of this divide are evident in contemporary elections and media discourse, suggesting that the Brexit debate has become a defining feature of British life.

The article highlights that the political landscape remains frozen in time, with the legacy of Brexit continuing to shape public opinion and political alignments.

Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/09/ten-years-brexit-uk-divided-country