Two Nottingham-based brothers, Nigel Baxter and Ian Baxter, have reflected on their opposing Brexit views 10 years after the UK voted to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, when 52% voted to Leave [1, 2]. Nigel, 63, who owned a commercial vehicles business and campaigned for Leave, said the promised benefits such as deregulation, tax cuts, and increased inward investment have not materialized due to a lack of government dynamism. "We have failed to capitalize on something that was monumental in terms of the decision," he remarked [1].
Ian Baxter, 60, who owns a logistics company and supported Remain, said Brexit has complicated trade with the EU, the UK's largest trading partner, making it harder for companies to sell goods across the border. His logistics business has grown by providing customs services to help UK companies navigate the new trade rules, yet he noted this growth comes at the cost of reduced trade volumes for their customers. "My view is still it should never have become more complicated," Ian said [1, 2]. He added that the 52% who voted Leave were "sold a dream" [1].
Despite their sharply different views on Brexit and support for rival football clubs—Ian supports Chelsea, while Nigel backs Arsenal—the brothers maintain a close relationship [1, 2].
A YouGov poll conducted on June 9, 2026, found almost 60% of people now believe the UK was wrong to vote Leave [1, 2]. Over time, the national mood around Brexit has become muted, overtaken by other societal issues, although concerns about living standards, public services, and migration persist [1, 2].
Reports published on June 17 featured the brothers’ reflections, marking a decade since the referendum that reshaped UK-EU relations [1, 2].
