UK voters reflect on Brexit’s unfulfilled promises a decade later
8 reported
A decade after the June 23, 2016, vote to leave the European Union, residents of Kingston upon Hull, England, express disappointment that Brexit has not delivered its promised benefits, according to a Christian Science Monitor report published June 24, 2026. Tim Rix, a local businessman who supported Brexit, said he now wonders what the vote was for, as polls show a majority of Britons would undo the decision. The article reports that the broad impression of Brexit's failure is tied to a sense that Britain is on a downhill slide, with rising costs, faltering public services, and economic stagnation. Paul Salvidge, former chair of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and a key pro-Brexit campaigner in Hull, stated there has been "zero progress" and described the outcome as "Brexit in name only." Others, including local novelist Russ Litten, said Brexit normalized intolerance and contributed to anti-immigrant riots in 2024. Hull City Council leader Mike Ross noted that the lack of EU funding has left a hole, citing the inability to renovate a rugby stadium as before. Historian Simon Lee said the problem is not migrants or the EU but a need for long-term reinvestment, adding that "there are no quick fixes."
What’s reported
The 10th anniversary of the June 23, 2016, Brexit vote is approaching.
Polls show 55% of Britons would undo Brexit.
68% of Hull area residents voted to leave the EU.
Tim Rix, a local businessman, said he wonders what the vote was for.
Paul Salvidge, former UKIP chair, said there has been "zero progress" and called the outcome "Brexit in name only."
Mike Ross, Hull City Council leader, said the lack of EU funding has left a hole, citing the rugby stadium renovation.
Russ Litten, a local novelist, said Brexit normalized intolerance and pointed to 2024 anti-immigrant riots.
Simon Lee, a historian at the University of Hull, said the problem is not migrants or the EU but a need for long-term reinvestment.
Key figures
Tim Rix, local businessman in Hull
Paul Salvidge, former chair of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)
Mike Ross, leader of the Hull City Council
Russ Litten, local novelist and spoken-word musician
Simon Lee, senior fellow at the Centre for British Politics at the University of Hull
Neil Hudgell, prominent local lawyer
Jess Hogg, local resident
Sources: csmonitor.com
