Brexit, British Foreign Policy, and Governance

Abstract

British foreign policy is undergoing its most significant crisis since the Suez emergency in 1956 in the form of Brexit. Immigration became a central issue to Brexit as it underlined the compromises inherent in EU membership. A preliminary survey of the post-Brexit regulatory environment saw major changes in only two areas, immigration and agriculture. It is very hard to separate out the effects of Brexit from those of the COVID-19 pandemic and current figures will inevitably see revision; however, initial indications are of a sizeable reduction in trade following the introduction of the new terms on 1 January 2021. Moreover, whilst some supporters of Brexit may have been motivated by insular and protectionist instincts, the outcome is likely to be a more expansive British foreign policy in the future. Overall, Brexit is as likely to reinforce as much as challenge international governance structures.