10 years since the Brexit Referendum

Ten years ago today the UK held a referendum at which the voter had the choice to say Leave (the EU) or remain. The ballot paper did not set out the form that Brexit might take and the type of Brexit was hardly mentioned in the campaign preceding the referendum.

Obiter J - who then authored this blog - was personally opposed to Brexit because he thought that it severely limited life opportunities for the young. In his extensive "blogging" on the topic, he avoided seeking to persuade anyone either way. His choice was to present factual information, look at the twists and turns of the campaign, and comment on the notable legal cases that arose along the way.

ObiterJ's numerous posts about Brexit remain on this blog - please see

Law and Lawyers: Brexit Library - Key materials

As we know, the referendum result was close (overall 52% to 48%) with Scotland and Northern Ireland - two key parts of the UK - voting Remain. 

Ten years on, the UK's relationship with the EU remains unsettled. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak negotiated the "Windsor Framework." The Labour Party - elected 4 July 2024 under Sir Keir Starmer - did not stand on a "rejoin" platform but favoured an improved "closer" relationship. 

Talks between the UK and the EU were due to take place in the near future but will now be rescheduled due to the pending resignation of the Prime Minister - announced in Downing Street on 22 June.

Links to various Brexit-related blogs are to be found on the homepage of this blog.

Three in five gen Z Britons would like new vote to rejoin EU, poll finds | Brexit | The Guardian