The Brexit Effect, 2016–2026
The Brexit Effect, 2016–2026
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Britain's decision to leave the European Union was perhaps the most divisive and consequential event of modern British politics. To assess its impact on the tenth anniversary of the referendum, Anthony Seldon assembles an unparalleled list of writers from all sides of the debate – including Brexit MP Steve Baker, ex-Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, election guru John Curtice, economist Paul Johnson, ex-Foreign Secretary David Miliband, ex-Cabinet minister Emily Thornberry, leading lawyers Marina Wheeler and Jonathan Sumption and ex-Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. They analyse why the referendum happened, how Brexit became law and its impact on every corner of British life, concluding with a range of perspectives on how Britain might make the most of the opportunities now available to it. As the dust continues to settle, The Brexit Effect delivers a vital and timely analysis for all who wish to understand Britain's past, present and future.
- Brings together leading voices from political, academic and economic spheres on both sides of the Brexit debate to offer a comprehensive and balanced insight into one of the most pivotal events in modern British history
- Covers every facet and nuance of the Brexit debate, leaving no stone unturned in a thorough exploration of the issues – providing a complete picture of its complexities and consequences
- Far more than a simple recount of events, The Brexit Effect weaves historical analysis with firsthand accounts and ongoing political ramifications to deliver a rich, elevated perspective on Brexit and its lasting impact
Reviews & endorsements
‘Ten years on from the divisive referendum, Seldon’s timely publication acts as an informed ‘conversation’ between prominent leavers and remainers, sharing insights and points of view. And that’s important. EU-UK relations are still evolving. Brexit may be ‘done’ but it’s certainly not yet dusted.’ Katya Adler
‘Time to banish any Brexit bafflement. Cause and effect impeccably sourced and superbly dissected in this book for present and future generations.’ Nick Ferrari
‘An impressively balanced, reflective and thought-provoking collection, which lifts the public debate just when needed. A real achievement.’ Tom McTague
‘The defining account of Brexit with a remarkable range of key figures from both sides reflecting revealingly and constructively on what happened … and why. A must-read for all of us who want to make sense of it all.’ Steve Richards
‘With contributions from many of the key players who had a ringside seat for the Brexit referendum, this collection of essays gives a compelling account of the forces that drove the seismic vote to leave the EU and the impact of that decision. It will be essential reading at Westminster as Europe rises up the political agenda again ten years on.’ Rachel Sylvester
Product details
- Published: June 2026
- Format: Adobe eBook Reader
- ISBN: 9781009749640
- Length: 0 pages
- Availability: This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- Preface: ten years on: why this book? Sir Anthony Seldon
- Introduction: Britain and Europe: the long view Lord Jonathan Sumption
- Part I. The Referendum: Insider Views, 1992–2016:
- 1. The long march from 1992 Douglas Carswell
- 2. The view inside David Cameron's No. 10 Baroness Kate Fall
- 3. The view inside Jeremy Corbyn's court Emily Thornberry
- 4. The view of a constitutional Brexiteer Baroness Gisela Stuart
- 5. The view inside Fleet Street Lionel Barber
- 6. Why voters chose Brexit (and then regretted their choice) Peter Kellner
- 7. Brexit and Civil Service impartiality Helen MacNamara
- Part II. Working Brexit Through: Insider Views, 2016–2022:
- 8. Was the Civil Service adequately prepared for Brexit? Lord Simon McDonald
- 9. Brexit: a slogan in search of a strategy David Reynolds
- 10. Brexit and Theresa May, 2016–2017 Chris Wilkins
- 11. Brexit and Boris Johnson, 2016–2022 Sir Conor Burns
- 12. The debate in Parliament, 2016–2019 Meg Russell
- 13. Implementing Brexit: the failure to administer a revolution Lord Simon Case
- Part III. The Impact, 2016–2026:
- 14. On Brexit and UK foreign policy Baroness Catherine Ashton
- 15. On how Northern Ireland shaped Brexit and was changed forever Lord Paul Bew and Roderick Crawford
- 16. On Scotland Aileen McHarg
- 17. On transatlantic relations Lord Kim Darroch
- 18. On the quality of government Jill Rutter and Alex Thomas
- 19. On British politics Anand Menon
- 20. On modelling the effects of Brexit on the British economy Patrick Minford and Zheyi Zhu
- 21. On innovation and science in the UK and the EU Rohan Silva
- 22. On public attitudes towards Brexit Sir John Curtice
- 23. On immigration Madeleine Sumption
- 24. On Britain's standing in the world Michael Clarke
- 25. Singapore on Thames or the sick man of Europe?: The economics of Brexit ten years from the referendum Paul Johnson and Robert Johnson
- Part IV. Changing Minds, 2016–2026:
- 26. The referendum ten years on: the journey from remain to leave Lord Nigel Biggar
- 27. The neuroscience of Brexit: why we think what we think on Brexit Baroness Susan Greenfield
- Part V: Where Now, 2026–2036?:
- 28. The survival of remain: from 'rejoin' to 'reset' Robert Tombs
- 29. Perceptions beyond Europe Peter Frankopan
- 30. Britain after Brexit Andy Haldane
- 31. Lessons learned and hopes for the future Paul Stephenson
- 32. Engaging with Europe as a sovereign nation Marina Wheeler
- 33. Repairing Brexit: a squandered opportunity Peter Foster
- 34. Bringing the nation together Lord Rowan Williams
- 35. Brexit and geopolitics: Britain needs new, better and closer relations with the rest of Europe David Miliband
- 36. Moving beyond the Brexit divide: towards a new tolerance by design Steve Baker and Paul Dolan
- Conclusion: ten years on: some tentative conclusions Sir Anthony Seldon
- Acknowledgements.
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