A new report has been released, and it’s not exactly flattering for the UK government. The report, published by UK In A Changing Europe, has examined the government’s handling of Brexit and has concluded that the country is struggling to cope.
It has been eight years since the UK voted to leave the EU and five years since Boris Johnson promised to “get Brexit done”. However, the report states that “the post-Brexit state is still very much a work in progress”. The experts have found that the government lacks a strategic vision for post-Brexit policymaking and that their approach is “incoherent and uncertain”.
One of the main issues highlighted in the report is the instability of post-Brexit policymaking. With five prime ministers since the EU referendum and two general elections, the government’s objectives have constantly changed. This has led to a lack of central direction and vulnerability to lobbying. The report also notes that the constant changes have taken a toll on the relationships within the government, particularly between ministers, their watchdogs, and their civil servants.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by devolved governments since the UK’s departure from the EU. Despite a “lack of capacity”, they now have new pressures to deal with. This further adds to the complexity of the post-Brexit landscape.
On a global level, the report states that the UK is yet to adjust to being a third country in relation to the EU. This has resulted in a “diminished” influence on global trade, climate, and AI. The report notes that the government underestimated the task of taking over the responsibilities and functions that were previously handled by the EU.
The civil service, which has grown by 100,000 since the referendum, also faces challenges in coordinating EU policy. The report states that there is a lack of a clear, central unit for this purpose, and the division of labor between various departments is “awkward”. Regulators have also been hampered by a lack of resources, skills, and experience, and many new schemes remain incomplete.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The report notes that UK-EU relations are improving after the chaos of the negotiations leading up to Britain’s official withdrawal. The UK has started to rebuild relationships with the EU under Rishi Sunak, and the report praises his efforts in this regard. The recent Windsor Framework agreement for improved trade in Northern Ireland is also seen as a positive step.
However, the report also highlights the ongoing risk of tensions on the Irish border due to the new framework not being fully implemented yet. It’s essential for the government to address this issue to avoid any potential conflicts.
Despite the criticism, the report also acknowledges that the government has made some progress in certain areas. But there is still a long way to go in terms of post-Brexit policymaking and adjusting to the new reality of being a third country in relation to the EU.
In conclusion, the report from UK In A Changing Europe paints a concerning picture of the government’s handling of Brexit. However, it also highlights areas where progress has been made and the potential for further improvement. It’s crucial for the government to take these findings into account and work towards a more stable and coherent post-Brexit landscape. The UK’s future depends on it.
