Has Brexit Lived Up to Expectations?

Considering the amount of time available after the referendum, the process has indeed been poorly managed. Additionally, the EU has demonstrated a guiding hand over the Brexit process, with their obstructive behavior becoming more apparent. Despite the desire to remain Outside the EU, it appears that the UK is still deeply entangled within it.

The primary goal of Brexit was to shake off the EU regulations and create an independent legal framework. The ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) has long been a point of contention due to its interference in national laws. The constant demand for compliance with EU directives, prefixed with "or else," suggests persistent unwelcome pushback. The sentiment is that the UK is not being dictated to; the battle for sovereignty is ongoing.

The mantra of "No deal is better than a bad deal" has been a resilient rallying cry. This sentiment is based on the principle that independence is more valuable than subservience. The desire for fair and equal trade has been expressed, alongside the assertion that any other conditions would be met with sheer defiance and rejection.

The Reality of Brexit

Considering the reality of Brexit, there are very few tangible benefits to show for all the effort. The downsides are numerous, and the question remains: why did people vote as they did? The economic impact has been significant, with diminishing trade and a diminished role in global politics. Renegotiated trade deals, if any, have not materialized as promised. The economic outlook is pessimistic, with increased bureaucracy and costs in trade and travel.

Immediate Impacts and Predictions

The initial chaos and disarray of Brexit have subsided somewhat, thanks to the mitigating factor of the coronavirus situation. The reduction in traffic and fewer issues have provided a temporary respite. In the absence of corona, the pressure of normal traffic would likely increase, particularly in terms of inspections and checks at borders. The tourism sector, while affected, has not seen a surge yet, thus limiting the noise from new regulations and inspections.

One of the most anticipated outcomes was the sudden halt in exports to the EU, particularly in the food sector. This event was widely anticipated and has had a significant impact on certain industries. The fundamental political and economic ramifications of Brexit have been easy to predict, but their scale has been somewhat mitigated by the unexpected circumstances of the pandemic.

The final negotiation outcomes, however, took a surprising turn. The UK negotiators’ strategy was far from successful, ultimately leading to a rather unfavorable agreement for the country. The deal was worse than anticipated, and the UK’s position within the EU landscape appears to have been significantly weakened.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brexit, as it stands, has not met the expectations set forth during the campaign period. The journey has been fraught with obstacles, and the outcome has been less favorable than many would have hoped for. The resolution of traffic and tourism issues due to the pandemic offers a temporary relief, but the long-term implications of Brexit are far from positive.