Aktuell · 23.06.2026 10:07
Ten Years After Brexit: Nigel Farage and Reform UK Gain Influence in Great Britain
Ten years after Brexit, the right-wing populist party Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is on the rise. Following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, it leads in polls and senses public discontent.
London – 23.06.2026: Ten years after the Brexit referendum, in which 51.9% of Britons voted to leave the EU, the mood in the country has drastically changed. Around 60% of the population now expresses regret over Brexit, a phenomenon known as “Bregret.” Despite partly negative economic and political consequences—including weak growth, government crises, and a decline in global influence—the right-wing populist party Reform UK, under the leadership of Nigel Farage, is experiencing an unprecedented rise. In current polls, Reform UK leads ahead of the 2029 elections and benefits from the dissatisfaction of many citizens with established politics after Brexit.
For many Britons, a better-managed Brexit would have been more successful, which fuels support for nationalist and right-wing extremist ideologies. Immigration remains a central issue. The anti-immigrant sentiment promotes populist voices, especially those of Farage and the neo-fascist activist Tommy Robinson. This rise in nationalism reveals deep societal divisions, particularly among white English voters, and reflects an identity crisis that has been palpable since Brexit.
While the younger generation generally holds a more positive view of the EU and electoral successes like those of Andy Burnham offer hope, the strengthening right-wing forces underscore the political and social challenges Great Britain must face.
On June 22, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unexpectedly announced his resignation. He stepped down after months of internal pressure and a significant loss of popularity. Although he had replaced the Conservative Party after 14 years in 2024, his leadership was increasingly questioned, especially following weak results in recent local elections.
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is now considered the main candidate to s쳮d him. After winning a parliamentary seat in a by-election, he could become Prime Minister by mid-July. Burnham is known for his commitment to urban development and his charismatic leadership style, while his precise national political agenda remains unclear.
Nigel Farage sharply criticized the Labour Party and called for early new elections to enable “real change.” He warns that a successor like Burnham would only continue Starmer’s policies—which, in his view, are insufficient to implement the urgently needed reforms.
These developments shed light on the future political direction of Great Britain, in which Reform UK is gaining influence and the Labour Party faces fundamental challenges. The next few years could be decisive for the country and its political landscape.
Sources
- Le Monde
- AP News
- The Guardian