LONDON (AP) — Ten years ago, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that forges political identities to this day and that shattered a half-century project to get closer to the continent.
Brexit, short for British exit, became a reality on June 23, 2016, when 52% — or more than 17 million people — voted to leave the EU. Though the margin was narrow, the vote led to the most dramatic shake-up of the U.K. economy and society since World War II.
Brexit was born out of a growing sense of frustration not only with the EU but over the global financial crisis of 2008. Supporters were able to tap into that frustration, and argued that the U.K. on its own, would be revitalized and able to focus just on domestic priorities.
Advertisement
Opponents warned that Brexit would lead to an economic disruption and that it risked the country’s standing in the world.
A decade on, here is where Brexit stands.
Brexit ushered in a harsh economic reality
Backers of Brexit — commonly known as Brexiters — held out a vision that the British economy could thrive outside the EU by harnessing the buccaneering spirit that had once made it the world’s biggest.
Merchants have complained about the hurdles that they now have to clear when trading with their European neighbors — the 27-nation EU remains by far the U.K.’s biggest trading partner.
And though there are no tariffs imposed on British goods entering the EU, there is a raft of non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs paperwork, border certifications, and visa restrictions. Many of the trade deals that the Brexiters touted, most notably one with the United States, have not materialized.
Experts say the British economy is between 4% and 8% smaller than it would have been had the country voted to remain in the EU. That would translate to much higher living standards and billions more pumped into public services, including the cherished National Health Service, which was promised an extra 350 million pounds ($468 million) a week by Brexit campaigners. That pledge was emblazoned on their big red campaigning bus.
Advertisement
Sign up for Morning Wire:
Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.
Advertisement
“Brexit has made the U.K. economy smaller than it otherwise would have been,” said Jonathan Portes, professor at King’s College London.
“The effect has not been a sudden collapse, but a gradual and cumulative drag on trade, investment and productivity,” he wrote in an article for The UK in a Changing Europe think tank.
Advertisement
A policeman escorts the driver of a shellfish export truck as he is stopped for an unnecessary journey in London, Monday, Jan, 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
Advertisement
A policeman escorts the driver of a shellfish export truck as he is stopped for an unnecessary journey in London, Monday, Jan, 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Brexiters argue, however, that leaving the EU is not something that can be judged in the short-term — there was always going to be a short-term economic disruption in return for greater control over an array of policy levers, including on migration.
Advertisement
The uproar over immigration is escalating
Brexit put an end to free movement between the U.K. and EU, but securing Britain’s border has had mixed outcomes. Getting a grip on immigration was a key promise of the Brexiters — their message of taking back control resonated.
Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates and poses for photographers as he leaves a “Leave.EU” organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London., June 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
Advertisement
Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates and poses for photographers as he leaves a “Leave.EU” organization party for the British European Union membership referendum in London., June 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Though net migration — the difference between those entering the U.K. and those leaving in any one year, from Europe — has plunged, it has soared from non-EU countries. That’s partly because of changes in visa rules that the previous Conservative government introduced to help out sectors that desperately needed migrant labor, such as workers to care for the elderly.
Overall though, there are signs the government is getting a grip on who can and cannot enter the country legally. Net migration has fallen sharply, from more than 900,000 in 2023 to 171,000 last year.
Though net migration is down, many are angered by migrants entering the country illegally — specifically the sight of people, often escaping war zones such as Afghanistan and Sudan, arriving on British shores in inflatable boats after making the dangerous journey across the English Channel.
The uproar over the number of small boat crossings, which peaked at 46,000 in 2022 and reached 41,000 last year, has become one of the main top political issues despite being a fraction of overall migration. Anger has focused on asylum seekers, often housed at public cost. Unruly mobs have protested outside and even tried to set fire to some hotels housing asylum seekers.
Advertisement
Voters have expressed remorse
In the years since Brexit, Britain’s political landscape has fractured, with declining support for the two long-dominant parties, Conservatives and Labour. The Conservatives were ejected in 2024 after 14 years in power, much of it dominated by wrangling over U.K.-European relations.
The Labour government hasn’t impressed either and Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks like he will be announcing his resignation very soon.
Millions of voters are being tempted by Reform U.K., led by Nigel Farage, who perhaps more than any other politician campaigned for Brexit. His party has led in almost every opinion poll for more than a year.
At the same, there’s a growing feeling in the country that Brexit has failed.
Advertisement
According to two polls from Ipsos, 52% of people in the U.K. would like to rejoin the EU while 33% are against it. The pollster also found that 48% think Brexit is going worse than expected against just 9% who think it’s going better. Also, Ipsos found that 48% would back another referendum today on the U.K.’s membership of the EU against 27% who oppose one.
A reset would be complicated
Against this backdrop, the Labour Party has walked a tightrope since being elected in 2024. Having explicitly ruled out reversing Brexit — or even rejoining the EU’s frictionless single market — it hasn’t got a huge amount of political space to maneouver.
FILE- Anti Brexit campaigner Steve Bray walks on the beach to pose for a photograph during the Labour Party Conference at the Brighton Centre in Brighton, England, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Advertisement
FILE- Anti Brexit campaigner Steve Bray walks on the beach to pose for a photograph during the Labour Party Conference at the Brighton Centre in Brighton, England, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Protestors are reflected in a large puddle as they wave European flags to demonstrate against Brexit in front of the Parliament in London, Dec. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
Advertisement
Protestors are reflected in a large puddle as they wave European flags to demonstrate against Brexit in front of the Parliament in London, Dec. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Starmer has sought a “reset” of ties following the distrust built over the years of the Brexit negotiations, largely centered around making trading easier. He is hoping to announce further measures at a summit with the EU next month — provided he’s still the prime minister.
His most likely successor, Andy Burnham, tempered his language on the U.K. rejoining the EU while out on the campaign trail over the past month, ahead of his victory in a special election on Thursday that saw him beat back a challenge from Reform in a seat that overwhelmingly backed Brexit.
“I am not proposing that the U.K. considers rejoining the EU,” Burnham said. “I respect the decision that was made at the referendum and it is going to undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don’t respect that vote.”
___
Advertisement
Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this story
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “It’s a very unusual, very rare spell of very hot weather, so it’s one of those ones where people should take care, try to keep their houses as cool as possible, check in on those that are vulnerable, so the very young and very old, in particular, are more vulnerable to extreme heat.
London is set to bask in temperatures reaching 39C in what would be Britain’s hottest June on record (Picture: PA)
Londoners have been told to reduce car journeys amid fears severe pollution could ‘raise Ozone levels’.
Sadiq Khan announced a high air pollution alert for Monday, as the capital is set for a week of sweltering 39C temperatures.
The Mayor of London urged Londoners to look after vulnerable residents, cut down car journeys and avoid engine idling to help mitigate the predicted poor air quality.
‘Hot, sunny weather and pollution from continental Europe are expected to raise ozone levels’, he wrote on Sunday afternoon.
Advertisement
‘Please help protect yourself and others, especially vulnerable people, by reducing car journeys and avoiding engine idling.’
The capital and much of southern and central England have been placed on an amber alert for extreme heat for four consecutive days between Monday and Thursday.
People bathing in the sun on Wimbledon Common on Sunday (Picture: Shutterstock)
The Met Office warned of ‘adverse health effects’ which could affect the wider population including sunburn and heat exhaustion.
It also said that heat-sensitive equipment and systems were at risk of failing, leading to the possibility of power cuts and a loss of some services.
The mercury is forecast to rise to 38C by Tuesday in London and stay at that level until Thursday.
Advertisement
If borne out, it would mark Britain’s hottest June on record, beating the previous highest figure of 35.6Cwhich was reached both in 1976 in Southampton and in 1957 in Camden Square, London.
The summer of 1976 saw Britain experience one of its most intense heatwaves to date, with 15 consecutive days hitting 32C or higher and 36 days without rainfall recorded across England and Wales.
A water shortage led to Parliament passing the Drought Act, which brought in water rationing and the use of standpipes.
Latest London news
To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’sLondon news hub.
Advertisement
Some £500million of crops were destroyed that year.
Women hold up sun umbrellas as they cross Westminster Bridge (Picture: Reuters)
This year has already seen the hottest spring on record, with temperatures tipping over 30C in May.
Last year’s summer was the hottest since records began, with a mean temperature of 16.1C recorded between the start of June and the end of August.
Advertisement
Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge warned that spells of extreme weather were becoming ‘more frequent’ due to climate change.
‘That’s unfortunately just the way things are going at the moment and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down’, he said.
The Funny Way To Be Comedy Club will host four evenings of new material at The Witham in Barnard Castle throughout July and August.
Acts will include established names and rising stars as they prepare for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and upcoming UK tours.
Craig Hill (Image: Steve Ullathorne)
Peter Dixon, who manages Funny Way To Be Comedy, said: “July is always an exciting month for live comedy, with performers preparing for new tours and Edinburgh Fringe appearances.
We’re delighted to welcome such a high-quality mix of established favourites and rising stars to Barnard Castle.
Advertisement
It’s one of our strongest summer seasons yet.”
Brennan Reece (Image: Supplied)
The season kicks off on Thursday, July 9, with a double bill featuring Larry Dean and Brennan Reece.
Dean is a three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee known for his sharp storytelling and self-deprecating humour.
Reece, an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and winner of English Comedian of the Year, is known for his heartfelt routines and comedic family tales.
Advertisement
Gareth Mutch (Image: Supplied)
On Saturday, July 18, the popular Sneak Peeks format returns with Scottish comedians Craig Hill and Connor Burns.
They will be joined by special guest Daniel Petrie, winner of the 2023 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.
Later in the month, on Saturday, July 28, Funny Way To Be Comedy’s annual showcase will feature four performers in one day: Gareth Mutch, Bilal Zafar, Hayley Ellis, and Jess Carrivick.
Larry Dean (Image: Supplied)
Discounted day tickets are on sale until the end of June, after which individual show tickets will be available.
Advertisement
Jess Carrivick (Image: Supplied)
The season wraps up on Friday, August 21, with Carl Hutchinson previewing material for his forthcoming Fine Whine tour.
Tickets for Hutchinson’s show have already sold out.
Tickets for all other performances are still available through the Funny Way To Be Comedy website.
The North Yorkshire County Show returned on Sunday (June 21) at Otterington Hall near Northallerton.
The show was temporarily cancelled back in 2024 due to a shortage of volunteers, but after it returned in 2025, it was back again for 2026 on Father’s Day.
(Image: Andy Futers)
The 2025 return proved a triumphant one, with the show scooping a hat-trick of awards including Best Agricultural Tourism Experience of 2025 at the UK Enterprise Awards.
More than 100 trade, craft, and food stalls filled the showground this year, alongside livestock judging, show jumping, vintage tractors, baking competitions, and emergency services displays.
Advertisement
Other main ring highlights included the Grand Parade of Champions, high-stakes show jumping, and the Parade of the Hurworth Hunt Hounds.
The show secured sponsorship from H&H Insurance Brokers for its 2025 and 2026 editions.
The show has roots back to 1840 when it was known as Northallerton and District Agricultural County Show, but for many years it was simply known as Northallerton Show until 1974, when local county boundaries were re-drawn and it became known as the North Yorkshire County Show.
Liam Payne died without making a will but his entire fortune is expected to go to his nine-year-old son Bear, who he shares with his ex Cheryl Tweedy
Liam Payne’s son Bear is set to inherit a massive £21 million fortune from his late father when he’s older. The nine-year-old is believed to be the sole beneficiary of the One Direction star’s entire fortune. But it’s thought it will be put into a trust until he is an adult.
Advertisement
Mum Cheryl Tweedy and music lawyer Richard Bray – who has also represented stars like Ed Sheeran – are said to have been granted power of administration in legal documents related to Liam’s estate.
According to the Daily Mail, newly released probate documents lodged with the High Court show that Liam’s estate can be used immediately to ‘benefit’ Liam and Cheryl’s son, whose full name is Bear Grey Payne.
Sources close to Cheryl told the publication that the Girls Aloud star will “always do the right thing by her beloved son”.
Speaking about Bear’s inheritance, the source said: “It’s a small consolation that Bear will never want for anything, that he will at least benefit from that.
“Liam had some very sensible people around him for a time and he adored Bear so much. He always wanted to do the right thing by him financially.”
The Sun added that court documents including the new Letters of Administration means that parts of the estate can potentially be spent to help Bear now, while the remainder of the fortune will be placed in trust for him until he is 18 years old.
Advertisement
But Kate Cassidy – Liam’s girlfriend at the time of his tragic death aged just 31 – may not get anything as they were not married or in a civil partnership. She claimed that they did plan to marry before he fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aries in October 2024.
Sharing a tribute to Liam shortly after his death, Kate revealed how the couple were “manifesting their lives together” in the weeks before he died. He is even said to have written her a note saying he wanted to marry her within a year.
Calling him the “love of her life”, Kate penned on Instagram: “Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life.”
She continued: “A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together. I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, “Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.” Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.”
Advertisement
Concluding her heart breaking post, Katie wrote: “I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go. Forever yours, Katelyn 444.” The angel number, 444, conveys a message of love, support as well as guidance from your angels.
If Starmer is to step down, one of the questions will be about what he will do next.
To be a former PM is an odd thing. Business in the House of Commons moves on, but the agenda is no longer set by you. A new pair of hands takes up the reins with different policy ideas and style. You might even have to remain tight-lipped as the new PM – dealing with the weight of the office, acquainting themselves with Larry the Cat and a poky London flat above Number 10 – tries to make a symbolic break with the past by making a critical parting shot.
Mired in a row over his resignation honours, Boris Johnson left Parliament altogether in June 2023, just nine months after he left Downing Street when the support from fellow Tories melted away.
Tony Blair, feeling the brunt of 10 gruelling years as PM, left Parliament straight away and took up a role as Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia. Blair is known to have made millions since he was PM.
Advertisement
Others choose to stay, taking to the quieter life outside of high office and instead engaging in good, old-fashioned constituency work. Starmer may want to ring Gordon Brown, Rishi Sunak, Theresa May or John Major if he wants the blueprint for that kind of work.
That said, if posh new jobs or the endless rigmarole of constituency casework doesn’t take your fancy, then you can always indulge in a bit of conspiracy theory-based ranting, blaming the ‘globalist elite’ for your shortcomings. Liz Truss, the expert, here.
Liz Truss speaks at an event in Dallas(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
The trains will be lifted from the site and transported away by road as an investigation remains ongoing to establish how the crash happened
An update has been issued by Network Rail following the train crash near Bedford, which killed one train driver and injured 100 passengers.
Advertisement
A temporary road has been built on the field next to the train track where the collision took place and will be used by cranes that will contribute to the “complex” recovery operation.
The process will see two 110-tonne rail-mounted Kirow cranes lift the carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane will move them onto a specialised trailer specialised in carrying extremely heavy equipment.
The carriages will then be transported away from the site by road, Network Rail has confirmed.
Advertisement
Following this, engineers will assess the track and carry out any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.
A statement from Network Rail reads: “A complex recovery operation has begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete necessary repairs.
“The Overhead Line Equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – must be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation is constructed to support the operation of a crane.”
Shaun Burton has been named as the train driver who died in the collision. The 60-year-old joined East Midlands Railway in 2019 and has been described as “a dedicated railway professional whose commitment, service and professionalism touched the lives of colleagues and passengers alike”.
One hundred passengers suffered a range of injuries during the incident, with nine of them in critical condition.
The crash took place on Friday afternoon (June 19) near Bedford when the 4.40pm EMR service from Corby to London St Pancras crashed into the rear of the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras.
Network Rail has warned those planning to travel through Bedford next week that the route will be disrupted until June 28.
Advertisement
As a result, there will be no Greater Thameslink Railway services north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford.
The former Match of the Day host made the comments during a surprise appearance on ITV’s coverage of the World Cup, criticising costs as unaffordable for many supporters.
Mr Lineker said: “I think for fans having to take out a second mortgage or sell their car to be able to afford to watch a football match, to fill the pockets of what is supposedly a not-for-profit organisation, I just don’t understand what Fifa are doing and why they are making it so difficult.
“It’s incredible that so many fans have come here despite that.”
Advertisement
He appeared on screen during ITV’s broadcast of Germany versus Ivory Coast, where he briefly took on presenting duties before being interrupted by regular host Laura Woods.
Ms Woods said: “Gary, that’s my job,” to which Mr Lineker replied, “Sorry, sorry. Old habits.”
He also appeared to poke fun at the BBC’s decision not to have a studio in one of the host countries during the tournament.
Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.
Mr Lineker said: “I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we’re Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set.
Advertisement
“I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real.
“What a backdrop.”
A Fifa spokesperson responded to Mr Lineker’s comments, saying the organisation remains “committed to ensuring fair access” to the competition and offering group stage tickets at $60 (£45), which it described as “an extremely competitive price for a once-in-a-lifetime major global sporting event”.
Mr Lineker left the BBC in May last year after criticism over sharing political opinions on social media.
Advertisement
His departure followed a row over an Instagram post about Zionism, which featured an image of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitism.
“Basically they’re saying you were a stiff No.9 that couldn’t move” 🤣
— The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) June 17, 2026
The broadcaster later apologised, saying he had not noticed the rat in the image and did not believe “anyone actually believes I would’ve posted that”.
Advertisement
Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.
He also continues to front The Rest Is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The podcast will become a daily television show on Netflix during the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What are your thoughts on the World Cup? Let us know in the comments
Rod, 81, admitted to the crowd that he had nearly fainted during the gig in Utah.
Scots singer Rod Stewart ‘nearly fainted’ during a gig in the United States and was given oxygen on stage.
Advertisement
The rock star was performing at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Friday, June 19, when he required the assistance from backstage.
In a video shared online, Rod can be seen leaning against musical instruments, barriers and a pole at the side of the stage as he was visibly struggling to continue with his set.
Rod, 81, wasn’t moving around the stage in his usual manner before he paused the concert to receive help.
According to TMZ, crew members backstage brought out an oxygen tank after Rod doubled over.
Advertisement
The Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? singer managed to plough on after getting support and addressed the audience, admitting that he had nearly fainted, while still managing to raise a few laughs to ease the tension.
However, he finished the show sitting down following the incident.
Rod was forced to cancel a number of shows following a bout of flu and, most recently, was unable to perform in San Diego as a result of laryngitis.
He was, however, able to take in some of the World Cup in Boston as he attended one of Scotland’s matches to support Steve Clarke’s men.
Advertisement
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
45 mins Belgium can’t seem to crack the code here, Tielemans and De Bruyne are giving it everything but it just doesn’t look as though it is clicking with Lukaku.
Could see a half-time sub.
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:47
Advertisement
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
41 mins: Well you don’t see this very often, Meunier took too long on his throw-in and the referee as punished him by reversing his decision and giving the throw-in to Iran
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:41
Advertisement
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
39 mins: Belgium get a dangerous free kick after three consecutive rough challenges on Kevin De Bruyne.
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:39
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
33 mins: Ezatolahi receives a yellow card for a conspicuous challenge on Tielemans, grabbing the midfielder by the shoulders and bringing him down.
Advertisement
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:34
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
Hydration break: Met with loud boos, as the hydration break begins, Belgium will be mostly happy with the opening quarter, but will be on alert after nearly falling behind to a lovely bit of ingenuity from Iran
(Getty)
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:32
Advertisement
No Goal! Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
Taremi was a hair offside, but it’s a wake up call to Belgium that they cannot take their foot off the pedal for a second against this Iran team
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:28
Advertisement
Potential goal! Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
25 mins: Iran gifted a free-kick and pull of a cheeky set play, with Taremi being slipped the ball just behind the wall and the star striker snuck it past Courtois who had no doubt been taken by surprise.
VAR is checking it now, but it’s a close call
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:27
Advertisement
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
22 mins: De Bruyne and Yuri Tielemans link up beautifully and the captain let the ball run down the right hand side, then fired off a powerful shot at the near post to force a save from Beiranvand
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:24
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
18 mins: De Bruyne is already running the show, playing some unreal free flowing football, they are just lacking that crucial final pass, once they find it, it should be goal time.
Advertisement
(AP)
James Hicken21 June 2026 20:21
Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
14 mins: Iran have found a response to Belgium’s pressure and forced a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois who dropped to his right as a low driven effort snuck through the defence.
![Mo Money Mo Problems (feat. Puff Daddy & Mase) [2014 Remaster]](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1782074075_hqdefault-80x80.jpg)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login