Why Brexit Didn’t Work

A new book to mark ten years since the UK’s Brexit referendum reveals the inside story from the key players – from both sides of the debate. Their candid accounts paint a picture of chaos that the UK is still coming to terms with

Explosive behind the scenes rows in the events that led to Britain’s fateful decision to leave the EU ten years ago will be revealed for the first time by The Independent.

Boris Johnson’s foul-mouthed comments about Theresa May, Barack Obama’s horrified reaction to the referendum result and bitter recriminations among Brexiteers are among hundreds of dramatic disclosures in a blockbuster book being serialised from tomorrow.

Sir Anthony Seldon’s ‘The Brexit Effect’ features essays by 41 prominent figures involved in the referendum, several who have never commented publicly before. They come from the highest levels of every part of public life, from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, academia, the church and beyond. Crucially, they represent both sides of the argument, Leavers and Remainers alike.

Their candid accounts of the often chaotic way Brexit came about and who is responsible for what has gone wrong since, will spark an intense new debate over whether Brexit should – or could – be reversed.

Publication of the book comes ahead of this month’s tenth anniversary of the historic referendum on 23 June 2016. It also coincides with growing calls from senior politicians, including Labour leadership hopeful, ex-health secretary Wes Streeting, for the UK to rejoin the EU.

The serialisation of Sir Anthony’s book at this seminal moment is part of a new campaign by The Independent on how Britain can rebuild its shattered links with Europe. The campaign – Europe: The Way Back – will consist of news, analysis, interviews and live events examining the effect Brexit has had on every aspect of our lives, from the economy, immigration, trade and sovereignty to Britain’s place in the world, educational links, social cohesion, culture and much more.

The Independent will examine each issue with a laser lens including to answer the key questions of whether we are better or worse off – and not just in monetary terms – as a result of cutting our ties with Brussels. We will look at whether the claim of the Brexiteers emblazoned on the side of their famous red bus that toured the country proved to be true. And to what extent the dire warnings of those who opposed them come to fruition.

We will aim to establish a fair picture of Britain ten years on from Brexit – and where we should go from here.

‘The Brexit Effect: 2016-2026’ edited by Anthony Seldon and published by Cambridge University Press on 18 June (£16.99)

Leave-voting areas have seen faster relative growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum, a Guardian investigation has found.

Data analysis suggests that the decade since the Brexit vote may not have matched the expectations of many Leave supporters, showing their local areas have also become relatively more deprived over the same period.