Sheffielders share mixed views on whether Britain should rejoin EU nearly a decade after Brexit referendum
The UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2016 continues to divide opinion almost a decade later
On Thursday, June 23m 2016, the UK electorate voted to leave the European Union.
It was a watershed moment in British politics which signalled the end of David Cameron’s time as leader of the country while simultaneously ending the UK’s membership with the EU for the first time since January 1, 1973, when Edward Heath was still in No.10.
The EU election was tightly contested with 52 per cent voting in favour of leaving and the other 48 per cent opting to remain.
A decade has passed since that election, with the process officially being completed four years later in 2020, and it’s fair to say the referendum remains a topic of heated debate, with Labour’s Wes Streeting describing the decision as ‘catastrophic mistake’ and Andy Burnham also claiming there could be a ‘long-term case’ for rejoining.
With all that in mind, we decided to ask our readers whether they’d like to see Britain rejoin the EU or whether they are happy with the decision that was made.
Here’s how they responded.
Beccy Daniels argued that she’d like to see another referendum in the future.
She commented: “I think that public opinion has swayed enough that it's worth another vote at least.I wanted (and still want) to remain but I do respect the democratic process.
“That being said, if we deem it important enough to vote for the Prime Minister on a regular basis to check we still want the same one, then it would not hurt to have another referendum now that people can see what Brexit has really meant in terms of economics, the false promises of billions being diverted to the NHS etc.”
Barbara Fawcett agreed, adding: “Yes. Things have changed since the referendum. At least another vote.”
Ian Bunting commented: “Yes, as soon as possible.”
Others, however, such as Colin Baines disagreed. He commented: “No, people voted to leave. They won. That's what we all agreed to when we voted. It's called democracy.”
Lee Pomfret shared the same view. Adding: “No. We have voted, concentrate on the advantages and we'll be fine.”
Sarah Meyers said: “No, we just need a government to deliver what was voted for.”
Cheryl Heeley said: “52 per cent voted to leave! Respect democracy.”
Gary Birch voiced his desire for Britain to rejoin the EU. He said: “Yes - show me one thing that is better since we left.”
Liz Smith commented: “Yes I do. We’re stronger together.”
Kate Hepworth agreed, adding: “Of course we should.”
Louise Hollis Keogh said: “Yes - we should never have left.”