The Brexit
For more than three long years, the argumentative tension surrounding Brexit between the public and politicians was at its height. Acting since 2020, Brexit is no longer the main issue England has to deal with. However, it remains a complex issue, with significant economic and other consequences. Indeed, the Brexit has had many repercussions for British businesses, among them changes in regulations and economic regulation between the UK and Europe. For example, many companies in the agri-food sector have had to change their processes and no longer apply the European label "CE" (produced in Europe) but "UKCA" (produced in the UK). The country continues to look for adaptation opportunities it can benefit from following its departure from the European Union, while avoiding the significant divergences around European regulations.
Despite this, the Brexit has helped to reshape the country's political landscape, revealing political and social splits between the parties, notably over the pandemic, inflation, the cost of living, healthcare.. Former Prime Minister David Cameron himself forced the referendum for Brexit in 2016 (which led to the UK's definitive exit from the European Union), while his successors Theresa May and Boris Johnson saw Brexit as a "rejection of membership of the European Union" but also a revolt against the political and economic situation. The current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, sees Brexit as a huge opportunity.
The economy, inflation and cost of living
In January 2024, 53% of Britons believe that the economy is one of the top three problems facing the country. In 2023, bank interest rates were at their highest level (since 2008) and continued to rise as inflation persisted. The war in Ukraine has not helped matters: the price of certain consumer goods imported from the Ukraine has soared, fuelling inflation. The cost of living has risen dramatically, and the country finds itself having to contend not only with rising borrowing costs, but also with the survival of businesses, particularly in the real estate sector, crushed under debts that borrowers are unable to repay. The country is facing high unemployment, due in part to a high percentage of long-term illnesses and economic difficulties for businesses, all in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a real shortage of workers in Great Britain, with over a million vacancies to be filled. Europeans have deserted the often precarious and seasonal jobs in the hotel and catering industry and agriculture, and it's the British who have replaced them.
Immigration
In April 2023, more than half of the British population believes that the immigration rate should fall. It's obviously a divisive subject. While the Brexit promised a resumption of control over immigration, it peaked in 2022 with an all-time high of 606,000 immigrants. Among them are many Ukrainian and Hong Kong refugees. The opposition party speaks of a loss of control. One example is the inflatable boats crossing the Channel and arriving en masse on British territory: 40,000 in 2022.
In 2021, the government put an end to free movement between the UK and Europe and introduced visa requirements to regulate the number of arrivals on British territory. As a result of this measure, in 2022 the country saw a drop in the number of Europeans arriving for work purposes and, on the contrary, greater demand for work and student visas from a Chinese and Indian population, demonstrating the attractiveness of British universities.
Health
Household income, unemployment rates, housing conditions - many factors determine whether or not a country is in good health. The National Health Service (NHS) celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. Since then, the government has had to increase its investment to ensure that the population has more equal access to healthcare. The country has been short of healthcare staff for years, and the government has refused to increase salaries, leading to strikes. Many people suffering from serious illnesses are unable to seek treatment because of the cost of care. Waiting lists for routine hospital care grow longer every day. Generally speaking, the UK has a failing healthcare system, with access to care complex and expensive compared to its neighboring countries. However, the government is taking steps to rectify the situation.
The environment
The environment is at the heart of the British agenda. The government is fighting air pollution, one of the greatest environmental threats in the world. It is also fighting against noise pollution, and more broadly against the many factors that cause physical and mental health problems: contamination, climate change, flooding... Several strategies to combat environmental problems have been put in place: the Resources and Waste Strategy supports a circular economy, the 25 Years Environment Plan provides strategies to preserve biodiversity, the Clean Air Strategy combatsCO2 emissions and air pollution with new regulations aimed at businesses and citizens alike... Patience, however, as implementing these various measures takes time, and the results will not be visible any time soon.
The housing problem
One of Britain's biggest problems is housing. A large proportion of the population is poorly housed or homeless because their income is too low. The number of social housing units is falling, and too few new buildings are being constructed. Housing in England, particularly in the cities, is very expensive. Property prices are rising every year, and the average price of a home in London in 2024 was £519,505. The average rent for a two-room apartment in London is £1,250 per month.
Safety
Safety is another issue facing the UK. Although the country remains safe, people are concerned about the increase in insecurity, particularly in cities. The crime rate has risen by over 7% since 2021. Richmond-upon-Thames, Harrow and Bexley are among London's safest neighborhoods. For the South East of England, statistics show that the safest towns are Woking, Fareham, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Rochester, Eastbourne and Hastings. In the South West, Exeter, Poole, Plymouth, Bath and Bournemouth top the list.
