Eleanor Finch
The question of which political party wants Brexit is a complex and evolving issue in British politics. Historically, the Conservative Party has been the driving force behind the UK's departure from the European Union, with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson securing a majority in the 2019 general election on a platform to Get Brexit Done. While the Conservatives remain committed to implementing Brexit, other parties have varying stances. The Labour Party, under Keir Starmer, has shifted from its previous ambiguity to accepting Brexit but seeks to improve the relationship with the EU. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have consistently opposed Brexit and advocate for closer ties or even rejoining the EU. Smaller parties like the Brexit Party, now Reform UK, and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland remain staunchly pro-Brexit. Thus, the political landscape reflects a spectrum of views, with the Conservatives and their allies firmly in the pro-Brexit camp, while others push for different degrees of re-engagement with Europe.
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What You'll Learn
Conservative Party's Brexit stance
The Conservative Party, often referred to as the Tories, has been at the forefront of the Brexit movement since the 2016 referendum. Their stance is deeply rooted in a commitment to delivering on the result of that vote, which saw 52% of the UK electorate choose to leave the European Union. This decision has shaped the party’s policies, leadership contests, and legislative priorities ever since. The Conservatives’ Brexit stance is not merely a policy position but a defining feature of their political identity in the 21st century.
Analytically, the Conservative Party’s approach to Brexit can be divided into three phases: the initial commitment, the negotiation period, and the post-Brexit era. Under David Cameron, the party reluctantly agreed to hold a referendum to appease Eurosceptic factions within the party and counter the rising threat of UKIP. Following the vote, Theresa May’s tenure was dominated by negotiations with the EU, culminating in her withdrawal agreement, which faced fierce opposition from both hardline Brexiteers and Remainers. Boris Johnson’s leadership marked a shift toward a harder Brexit, with his “Get Brexit Done” slogan becoming a rallying cry for the party’s 2019 general election victory. This phased approach highlights the party’s evolving strategy to balance ideological purity with political pragmatism.
Instructively, understanding the Conservative Party’s Brexit stance requires examining its core principles: sovereignty, economic independence, and control over borders. The party argues that leaving the EU allows the UK to reclaim legislative autonomy, negotiate trade deals on its own terms, and implement a points-based immigration system. For instance, the Conservatives have emphasized the benefits of striking trade agreements with non-EU countries, such as Australia and Japan, as evidence of Brexit’s potential. However, critics argue that these deals often replicate existing EU agreements, raising questions about the tangible gains of this approach.
Persuasively, the Conservative Party’s Brexit stance has been both a strength and a liability. On one hand, it has solidified the party’s base among traditionalists and Eurosceptics, particularly in the so-called “Red Wall” constituencies in northern England. On the other hand, it has alienated pro-European voters and exacerbated internal divisions, as seen in the defections of moderate MPs like David Gauke and Dominic Grieve. The party’s ability to maintain unity on Brexit has been tested repeatedly, with issues like the Northern Ireland Protocol and the impact on the economy creating ongoing challenges.
Comparatively, the Conservative Party’s Brexit stance stands in stark contrast to that of the Labour Party, which has adopted a more ambiguous position since the referendum. While Labour initially supported respecting the referendum result, it has since shifted toward advocating for a closer relationship with the EU, including potential membership of the single market. This divergence underscores the Conservatives’ unique role as the party most closely associated with Brexit, for better or worse. Their unwavering commitment to leaving the EU has set them apart in the UK’s political landscape, making Brexit a defining issue of their tenure in government.
Descriptively, the Conservative Party’s Brexit stance is embodied in its leaders and key figures. Boris Johnson’s charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment to Brexit were instrumental in securing the UK’s departure from the EU. His successor, Rishi Sunak, has sought to reframe Brexit as an opportunity for economic renewal, focusing on initiatives like freeports and regulatory reform. However, the party’s Brexit narrative is not without its contradictions. For example, while championing sovereignty, the Conservatives have faced criticism for centralizing power in Westminster, often at the expense of devolved nations like Scotland and Wales. This tension between rhetoric and reality continues to shape the party’s Brexit legacy.
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Labour Party's Brexit position
The Labour Party's Brexit position has been a complex and evolving issue, reflecting broader tensions within the party and the UK's political landscape. Initially, Labour's stance was shaped by its commitment to respecting the 2016 referendum result while seeking a softer Brexit that prioritized jobs, workers' rights, and access to European markets. Under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, the party advocated for a customs union with the EU and sought to balance the views of its pro-Remain membership with the pro-Leave voters in its traditional heartlands. This dual approach often led to ambiguity, as Labour attempted to appeal to both sides of the Brexit divide without fully committing to either.
To understand Labour's position, consider the party's 2019 general election manifesto, which proposed negotiating a new Brexit deal with the EU and then putting it to a public vote, with Remain as the alternative option. This strategy, known as a "people's vote," aimed to resolve the Brexit impasse while giving voters the final say. However, this stance was criticized for its lack of clarity, as Labour's leadership refused to explicitly back either Leave or Remain, leaving many voters unsure of where the party stood. This ambiguity contributed to Labour's significant electoral defeat in 2019, particularly in Leave-voting areas.
Under Keir Starmer's leadership, Labour's Brexit position has shifted toward acceptance of the UK's departure from the EU. Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU, the single market, or the customs union, focusing instead on "making Brexit work." This pragmatic approach aims to move the party beyond the Brexit debate and address domestic issues like the economy and public services. However, this shift has alienated some pro-European members and voters who see it as a betrayal of Labour's internationalist values. Starmer's strategy reflects a calculation that the political landscape has moved on from Brexit, but it risks alienating key demographics.
Comparatively, Labour's Brexit position contrasts sharply with that of the Conservative Party, which has been the driving force behind Brexit since 2016. While the Conservatives have pursued a hard Brexit, prioritizing sovereignty and control over alignment with EU rules, Labour has sought a more cooperative relationship with the EU. This difference highlights Labour's attempt to carve out a distinct post-Brexit identity, one that acknowledges the referendum result while advocating for a more nuanced approach to the UK's future relationship with Europe.
In practical terms, Labour's current stance means focusing on mitigating the negative impacts of Brexit rather than reversing it. This includes addressing trade barriers, labor shortages, and economic disruptions caused by the UK's departure from the EU. For voters, understanding Labour's position requires recognizing that the party is no longer fighting Brexit itself but is instead working to shape its outcomes. This shift may disappoint ardent Remainers, but it reflects a strategic decision to prioritize electoral viability in a post-Brexit Britain.
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Liberal Democrats and Brexit
The Liberal Democrats have consistently positioned themselves as the most vocally anti-Brexit party in British politics. From the 2016 referendum onward, they have advocated for the UK’s continued membership in the European Union, a stance that sharply contrasts with the Conservative Party’s pro-Brexit agenda and Labour’s ambiguous approach. This clear position has made them a rallying point for Remain voters, though it has also limited their appeal in Leave-voting constituencies.
Analyzing their strategy reveals a calculated risk. By championing a second referendum (often termed a “People’s Vote”), the Lib Dems sought to capitalize on the growing disillusionment with Brexit’s complexities. Their 2019 general election manifesto explicitly promised to revoke Article 50 if elected, a bold move that resonated with pro-EU voters but alienated those who prioritized honoring the original referendum result. This polarizing stance highlights the party’s willingness to sacrifice broad appeal for ideological consistency.
Comparatively, the Lib Dems’ approach differs from Labour’s attempt to straddle the Brexit divide and the Conservatives’ hardline commitment to leaving the EU. While Labour’s ambiguity cost them votes on both sides, the Lib Dems’ clarity gained them seats in Remain-leaning urban and suburban areas. However, their failure to form alliances with other Remain parties (e.g., the Greens or SNP) diluted the pro-EU vote, demonstrating the challenges of translating a single-issue focus into electoral success.
Practically, the Lib Dems’ Brexit stance has shaped their policy framework, emphasizing internationalism, environmental cooperation, and economic integration with the EU. For instance, they advocate for continued participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs, which were lost post-Brexit. Voters considering the Lib Dems should weigh their commitment to reversing Brexit against the party’s limited parliamentary influence, as their 11 seats (as of 2023) restrict their ability to enact such policies.
In conclusion, the Liberal Democrats’ Brexit stance is both their strength and weakness. It offers a clear alternative for pro-EU voters but risks alienating those who view Brexit as settled. For voters prioritizing EU membership, the Lib Dems remain the most straightforward choice, though their effectiveness hinges on broader political alliances and shifting public sentiment.
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Brexit Party's role and goals
The Brexit Party, now known as Reform UK, emerged as a single-issue political force with a laser focus on one goal: ensuring the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. Founded in 2019 by Nigel Farage, a long-time Eurosceptic, the party capitalized on the frustration and disillusionment of voters who felt betrayed by the delayed implementation of Brexit following the 2016 referendum. Its primary role was to act as a pressure group, pushing the Conservative Party and other political entities to honor the referendum result without compromise.
Analytically, the Brexit Party’s strategy was twofold. First, it sought to consolidate the pro-Leave vote by appealing to both traditional Conservative voters and working-class Labour supporters who felt abandoned by their parties’ ambiguity on Brexit. Second, it positioned itself as the only party wholly committed to a no-deal Brexit if necessary, a stance that resonated with hardline Eurosceptics. This approach allowed the party to secure a landslide victory in the 2019 European Parliament elections, winning 29 out of 73 seats, a testament to its effectiveness in mobilizing Brexit supporters.
Instructively, the Brexit Party’s goals were straightforward: deliver Brexit without further delay, end freedom of movement, and reclaim sovereignty over UK laws, borders, and trade. To achieve these objectives, the party advocated for a clean break from the EU, rejecting the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by then-Prime Minister Theresa May and later Boris Johnson. The party’s messaging was clear and repetitive, ensuring its core aims were easily understood by its target audience. For instance, its campaign materials often featured slogans like “Get Brexit Done” and “Change Politics for Good,” emphasizing urgency and radical change.
Comparatively, while the Conservative Party also championed Brexit, its approach was more nuanced and fraught with internal divisions. The Brexit Party, in contrast, offered a pure, unadulterated vision of leaving the EU, free from the baggage of a broader political agenda. This purity of purpose allowed it to act as a spoiler, forcing the Conservatives to adopt a harder line on Brexit to avoid losing voters. However, once Brexit was finalized in January 2020, the party’s raison d’être diminished, leading to its rebranding as Reform UK to focus on broader political and social issues.
Descriptively, the Brexit Party’s rallies and public events were characterized by a sense of urgency and defiance. Nigel Farage’s charismatic leadership and straightforward rhetoric galvanized supporters, creating a movement-like atmosphere. Practical tips for understanding the party’s impact include examining its role in shifting the Brexit debate from a theoretical discussion to an actionable policy, as well as its influence on the Conservative Party’s leadership contest in 2019, which saw Boris Johnson, a staunch Brexiteer, emerge as Prime Minister.
In conclusion, the Brexit Party’s role was to act as a catalyst for Brexit’s realization, while its goals were to ensure a complete and unconditional departure from the EU. Its success lay in its ability to channel public frustration into political action, though its single-issue focus ultimately limited its long-term viability. For those studying political movements, the Brexit Party serves as a case study in how a narrowly focused party can achieve significant short-term impact by tapping into widespread sentiment.
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SNP's Brexit perspective
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has consistently positioned itself as a staunch opponent of Brexit, advocating for Scotland’s place within the European Union (EU). This stance is deeply rooted in the party’s core principles of self-determination and internationalism. While Brexit was a UK-wide decision, the SNP argues that Scotland’s overwhelming vote to remain in the EU (62% in 2016) was ignored, fueling their demand for a second independence referendum. By framing Brexit as a catalyst for Scottish independence, the SNP leverages the issue to highlight the divergence between Scotland’s and Westminster’s priorities.
Analytically, the SNP’s Brexit perspective is a strategic tool to advance its independence agenda. The party contends that remaining in the UK post-Brexit forces Scotland into a hard exit from the EU against its will, undermining its economic and cultural ties with Europe. SNP leaders, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, have repeatedly emphasized the economic benefits of EU membership, such as access to the single market and freedom of movement, which they argue are critical for Scotland’s prosperity. By contrasting Scotland’s pro-European sentiment with the UK government’s Brexit policies, the SNP seeks to build a case for independence as the only way to rejoin the EU.
Instructively, the SNP’s approach to Brexit involves a dual strategy: mitigating its immediate impacts while pushing for long-term constitutional change. Practically, this includes advocating for the least damaging Brexit deal possible, such as retaining membership of the single market and customs union, which the UK government rejected. The SNP also encourages Scottish businesses and citizens to prepare for Brexit-related disruptions, such as supply chain issues and changes to immigration rules. For individuals, the party advises staying informed about EU settlement schemes and exploring opportunities for dual citizenship to maintain ties with Europe.
Comparatively, the SNP’s Brexit stance differs sharply from that of the Conservative Party, which drove Brexit, and Labour, which has adopted a more ambiguous position. Unlike these parties, the SNP sees Brexit not as an end in itself but as a symptom of a broken UK political system that disregards Scotland’s interests. This perspective resonates with many Scots, particularly younger voters and those in urban areas, who view the EU as a symbol of openness and cooperation. However, critics argue that the SNP’s focus on Brexit and independence risks overshadowing domestic issues like healthcare and education.
Descriptively, the SNP’s Brexit narrative is one of democratic defiance and European solidarity. At rallies and in parliamentary debates, SNP politicians often evoke Scotland’s historical ties with Europe, from the Enlightenment to modern trade partnerships. They paint a vision of an independent Scotland seamlessly reintegrating into the EU, reclaiming its voice on the global stage. This emotional appeal, combined with pragmatic arguments about economic stability, has helped the SNP maintain its dominance in Scottish politics. However, the party’s success hinges on translating this vision into tangible outcomes, particularly in the face of UK government resistance to another independence referendum.
In conclusion, the SNP’s Brexit perspective is a multifaceted strategy that blends political ambition with practical policy advocacy. By framing Brexit as both a challenge and an opportunity, the party seeks to mobilize support for Scottish independence while mitigating the immediate harms of leaving the EU. Whether this approach will ultimately succeed remains uncertain, but it underscores the SNP’s unique position in the Brexit debate as a party that sees Europe not as a barrier but as a bridge to Scotland’s future.
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Frequently asked questions
The Conservative Party was the main driving force behind Brexit, with its 2016 manifesto committing to holding a referendum on EU membership and later leading the campaign to leave the EU.
The Labour Party officially supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum, though some individual Labour MPs campaigned for Brexit.
The Liberal Democrats are most associated with opposing Brexit, advocating for a second referendum and a "Remain" vote as part of their core policy.
