Brexit has been a long-awaited event. Following the unexpected and controversial statement from the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, the possibility of the UK leaving the European Union has been made reachable. Although the controversy was – and remains- fierce, the slim loss to the ‘Leave’ campaigners means the UK had declared it will eventually become independent from the European Union.
The European Union was founded in the November of 1993 as a response to the World Wars and a reminder to the 28 nations that peace should prevail. As it has evolved, it has become a fundamental and influential organization. With various legislations such as trade or immigration, most of Europe is more than just physically but now also politically bound. The perspectives on whether such obligations support or shackle the United Kingdom has what has fundamentally created the contentious divide. Ultimately, as a nation, we decided that the European Union, is not the way forward. The referendum on the 23rd of June 2016, democratically, marked the departure from one of the most powerful organisations in the world. In a hope to independently mould the UK into a more powerful country, steps have been taken to leave. It has been 3 and a half years since the Brexit referendum, and now we will officially leave today on January 31st, 2020.
This is a momentous and proud moment in the political history for the whole country. But what does it mean on a more personal level? What does this mean for citizens like you and me, and more specifically our Sutton borough?
Political changes have been set in motion following December 2019’s general election, with the departure of Liberal Democratic MP, Tom Brake who was replaced by Elliot Colburn of the Conservative Party.
Amongst fears of the toll Brexit can have on social services and the already recurring angst around the financially weakened NHS, £500 million has been promised for the local St Heliers hospital. This has been a passionate and pivotal part of Colburn’s campaign, writing, “ I will continue to work with the local NHS Trust to deliver on their ambitions, finally secure the long-term future of our local hospital and ensure that local patients get the best health outcomes available.” This is a much needed reassuring boost for the citizens of Sutton among the uncertainties of our departure. Additionally, retail experts have estimated that this year house prices are expected to rise by 1-3%, although figures for the long term future are uncertain.
Following the departure on the 31st of January, an eleven month period of transition will begin. During this period, most activities will remain normal- there will be no drastic legal or political shift that will hugely affect us. Largely, however, the more momentous changes to our personal lifestyle are predicted to happen after this 11 month period. Although these changes have been expected to take place after this period, the 3 and a half years of uncertainty since the Brexit referendum, has only highlighted the uncertainty of what could happen. As such, it remains unclear to predict future events and all possibilities should be taken with a pinch of salt.
For more information on what Brexit means to you, visit, https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200641/democracy_and_voting/1831/preparing_for_brexit
