Why do both Leave and Remain voters feel disappointed 10 years after Brexit?

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Both Leave and Remain Voters Express Disappointment a Decade After Brexit

Ten years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, both businessmen brothers Nigel and Ian Baxter, who held opposing views on Brexit, are experiencing disappointment. Nigel Baxter, a proponent of leaving, feels that the anticipated benefits of deregulation, tax cuts, and increased inward investment have not materialised, attributing this to a lack of government dynamism and a failure to capitalise on the decision. Conversely, Ian Baxter, who favoured remaining in the EU, finds that trade with the bloc has become significantly more complicated for British companies, despite his own logistics business experiencing growth by offering customs services. This sentiment of disillusionment appears to be widespread, with a YouGov poll indicating that almost six in 10 people now believe Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU.
Squandered Opportunities for Leave Supporters

Nigel Baxter, who owns a commercial vehicles business and actively campaigned for Brexit, expresses frustration that the promised economic advantages have not materialised. He believes the UK has not effectively leveraged the "monumental" decision to leave the EU, citing a lack of dynamism from the government as a key reason for the failure to attract deregulation, tax cuts, and inward investment. This perspective highlights a sense of missed opportunity among those who supported leaving the EU with the expectation of enhanced economic freedoms and opportunities.
Increased Trade Complications for Remain Supporters

Ian Baxter, owner of a logistics company and a former advocate for remaining in the EU, points to the increased difficulty British companies face in selling goods to the European Union. While acknowledging that there have been no "catastrophic consequences" from Brexit, he asserts that the process has made trade with the EU, the UK's primary trading partner, considerably more complex. Ironically, his own logistics business has expanded by providing customs services to help other companies navigate these new trade barriers, a situation he finds bittersweet as it thrives at the expense of his customers' trade strength with the EU.
Unfulfilled Promises and Enduring Concerns

The disappointment experienced by both brothers reflects a broader sentiment that the expectations surrounding Brexit have not been met. Ian Baxter suggests that the 52% who voted to leave in 2016 may feel they were "sold a dream" that has not materialised as anticipated. Furthermore, the article notes that contemporary voter concerns regarding stagnant living standards, underfunded public services, and migration remain prominent, issues that were also central to the Brexit debate itself, indicating that the fundamental challenges facing the UK persist.
Evolving Perspectives on EU Relations

While Ian Baxter remains firm in his view that trade with the EU should not have become more complicated, he is cautiously optimistic about the current government's efforts to forge closer relations with the EU. However, he rejects the notion of rejoining the EU on less favourable terms than previously enjoyed, expressing doubt that such a "sweetheart deal" would be available. This nuanced stance suggests a pragmatic approach to future UK-EU relations, focusing on practical engagement rather than a full return to the bloc.

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Why do both Leave and Remain voters feel disappointed 10 years after Brexit?

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