A Decade After Brexit: How Five Key Constituencies Fared

A decade after the Brexit referendum, we revisit five key constituencies to hear firsthand accounts of its lasting impacts on industries and communities.

The United Kingdom‘s decision to leave the European Union has left an indelible mark on the nation’s landscape. As we mark a decade since the historic referendum, we revisit five constituencies to hear from those who have lived through the consequences of Brexit.

From the fishing industry to agriculture, and from political shifts to economic challenges, the stories of these communities paint a vivid picture of Brexit’s far-reaching effects.

In the years since the 2016 vote, the UK has navigated a complex path of negotiations, policy changes, and economic adjustments.

The promises and predictions of Brexit have collided with the realities of its implementation, leaving both opportunities and challenges in its wake. Through the voices of individuals deeply affected by these changes, we gain insight into the human side of this monumental shift.

Torridge and West Devon: The Fisherman’s Plight

Tony Rutherford, a fisherman and wholesaler from Appledore in north-west Devon, was a vocal advocate for Brexit, hoping it would revitalize the British fishing industry. A decade later, his perspective has shifted dramatically. “Absolute nightmare, shambles, and still is to this day,” he laments, reflecting on the challenges he has faced since the UK’s departure from the EU.

Rutherford’s business, which involves buying from local fishers and selling to wholesalers, has been severely impacted by the additional export costs and bureaucratic hurdles introduced after Brexit. The promise of increased fishing opportunities under Johnson’s deal has not materialized, leaving Rutherford feeling “sold down the river.” The complexities of exporting to France, including the need for VAT registration and health certificates, have added significant financial and logistical burdens to his operations.

“That first load was held up for five days,” Rutherford recalls, describing the ruin of his initial post-Brexit shipment. The compensation he received from the government’s disaster relief scheme was a mere drop in the bucket compared to the ongoing costs he faces. “Every shipment is an extra £330,” he explains, highlighting the financial strain on his small business. Despite the challenges, Rutherford continues to export, though he admits that many merchants in the south-west of England have given up, finding the process no longer worth the effort.

Ceredigion: The Agricultural and Academic Shift

In the picturesque constituency of Ceredigion, the impact of Brexit has been felt in both the agricultural sector and the academic community. Mark Williams, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, expressed confidence in the area’s pro-EU stance during the 2016 referendum. However, the political and economic landscape has since undergone significant changes.

The closure of the University of Wales, Lampeter, and the redrawing of constituency boundaries have altered the region’s dynamics. Ben Lake, the current Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, which now includes parts of north Pembrokeshire, highlights the challenges faced by local farmers. “Our upland sheep farmers are more dependent on subsidies than arable farms,” Lake explains, noting the shift from five- to seven-year funding cycles to the current two-year luxury.

The agricultural sector has also had to adapt to new export requirements, including health and sanitary certificates and checks. Despite these challenges, the constituency’s support for Plaid Cymru has surged, reflecting a growing desire for Welsh independence and a departure from the heavily centralized government in Westminster. “Since Brexit, people have realized that it is Plaid Cymru that will stand up for Wales,” Lake asserts.

Banff and Buchan: Fishermen’s Disillusionment

David Milne, the chair of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, initially hoped that Brexit would allow the fishing industry to “manage our own destiny.” However, a decade later, he feels that their livelihoods were “bartered away.” The promise of control over quotas and effort has not been fulfilled, leaving Milne and his fellow fishermen disillusioned.

“Near 99% of fishermen voted for Brexit because we wanted more control,” Milne states, emphasizing the industry’s desire for greater autonomy. However, the reality has been far from the promises made. Scottish fishers have continued to voluntarily close spawning grounds to rejuvenate cod stocks, only to see EU boats exploit these waters. “We designed the areas where we knew the time of year the cod was spawning,” Milne explains, highlighting the bitter pill of seeing EU vessels from Holland catch cod in Scottish waters.

The constituency of Banff and Buchan no longer exists due to boundary changes in 2026, but the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry remains a pressing issue for those who depend on it for their livelihoods.

Romford: Political Shifts and Immigration Concerns

In Romford, the political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since the 2016 referendum. Sue Connelly, a vocal advocate for Brexit, expressed a desire to “get our country back” during the campaign. However, the local Conservative party’s fortunes have since waned, with Reform UK taking control of Havering council in the latest local elections.

Michael White, a former Conservative leader of Havering council, and Dilip Patel, the deputy leader of the Romford Conservative group, reflect on their mixed feelings about Brexit. Patel’s decision to vote for Brexit was influenced by his role as a school governor, where he witnessed the pressure on schools to accommodate children from Bulgaria and Romania. “I felt that we needed to stop the influx of free movement until we got ourselves sorted,” he explains.

White, who voted for Brexit hoping to see policies made in Britain rather than Brussels, expresses skepticism about the promised benefits for the NHS. “In fact, the NHS has gotten worse,” he admits, reflecting on the reality of post-Brexit Britain. The political shifts in Romford, including the defection of long-time Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell to Reform UK, highlight the ongoing turmoil and division within the local Conservative party.

Kettering: The Unfulfilled Promises of Brexit

Philip Hollobone, the former Conservative MP for Kettering, predicted that places like Rothwell, Northamptonshire, would play a critical role in Britain’s future. However, his political career came to an end in the 2026 general election, as Labour gained control of the constituency. Hollobone attributes this shift to the rise of Reform UK and the unfulfilled promises of Brexit.

“The big Reform message in 2026 was real anger about immigration,” Hollobone explains, highlighting the failure of the Conservative party to deliver on the promise of tightening migration controls. The negotiations and the final Brexit deal were handled poorly, leaving many voters disillusioned. “The tragedy is that over the last 10 years, the potential for Brexit has not been realised,” Hollobone laments, emphasizing the need for better implementation of Brexit policies.

Hollobone’s support for Boris Johnson during the 2019 Conservative leadership contest was based on the belief that Johnson would deliver on the promises of Brexit. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations, leading to a surge in support for Reform UK and a shift in the political landscape of Kettering.