Brexit is the term used for the United Kingdom's (UK) decision to leave the European Union (EU). This happened after a public vote (called a referendum) on June 23, 2016, where 51.9% of people chose to leave, for a number of reasons, including:

• Taking Back Control - Supporters wanted the UK to make its own decisions about laws, borders, and rules without needing permission from the EU.
• Immigration - Many felt that EU rules about free movement of people led to too much immigration, putting pressure on jobs, housing, and public services. Leaving the EU meant the UK could decide its own immigration policies.
• Trade Freedom - Brexit supporters believed the UK could make better trade deals with other countries on its own, instead of being tied to EU rules.
• Saving Money - The UK gave a lot of money to the EU each year. Supporters thought this money could be used for things like healthcare and education in the UK.
• Less Bureaucracy - Many felt the EU had too many rules and decisions were made by people who weren’t elected by the British public. Leaving would allow the UK to have more say in its own future.

Even after the UK left the European Union (EU), some Brexit supporters feel the full benefits haven’t been realized. They argue that certain promises of Brexit were not fully implemented or that compromises were made, leaving the UK still tied to EU rules in some ways. The key reasons for these criticisms are:

• Too Many Compromises in Trade Deals - Some people believe the trade agreements with the EU, like the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, kept the UK too closely aligned with EU rules. They feel this limited the UK’s ability to take full advantage of new global trade opportunities.
• Northern Ireland Protocol - The Northern Ireland Protocol was designed to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (an EU member). Critics argue that this created a "border in the Irish Sea," making it harder for businesses in Northern Ireland to trade freely with the rest of the UK and keeping Northern Ireland under some EU rules.
• Regulations and Red Tape - While Brexit was supposed to reduce bureaucracy, some businesses say new rules for trading with the EU have added costs and paperwork. Supporters argue the government hasn’t gone far enough to cut these barriers or remove EU-inspired regulations.
• Immigration Policies - Although Brexit ended free movement from the EU, critics feel the new immigration system hasn’t delivered enough changes. Some argue that high immigration levels persist or that key sectors, like farming and healthcare, still struggle with worker shortages.
• Economic Independence Not Fully Realised - Supporters envisioned a "Global Britain" making trade deals around the world, but some feel progress has been slow. While the UK has signed deals with countries like Australia and Japan, critics argue these deals don’t yet outweigh the loss of easy trade with the EU.
• Missed Opportunities - Supporters wanted Brexit to spark bold reforms in areas like taxation, fishing rights, and deregulation. However, they argue the UK government hasn’t made enough use of its new freedoms, leaving the country stuck in old ways.

Many who supported Brexit feel its potential hasn’t been fully unlocked because of half-hearted implementation, compromises with the EU, or a lack of political will. They believe more radical action is needed to deliver on the promises of Brexit and make the UK truly independent and thriving.