Brexit two years later: Why the UK is struggling

Synopsis

Two years after Britain completes its withdrawal from the European Union, the country continues to struggle with the fallout. Promised economic gains have not materialized, and Britain has missed out on much of the recovery in global trade since the pandemic. The loss of EU workers exacerbates labor shortages, particularly in health care, hospitality, and agriculture. Simon Sparrow, a cheese maker, expresses his disappointment, stating he feels betrayed by the government that promised much but delivered little. His business, which used to deliver English cheddar to EU customers, now faces prohibitive costs due to new certification requirements. In the northern English town of Crewe, even Brexit supporters are reversing their opinions, with polls indicating a majority now believe Brexit was a bad idea. Despite this shift, there is no immediate plan to reverse the decision to leave the EU. The ongoing trade barriers and labor shortages continue to harm the British economy, highlighting the challenges faced since the withdrawal.