2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Brexit referendum in the UK. In 2016, the UK was the fifth largest economy in the world, roughly about 85% the size of Germany’s. Indeed, new research provides fresh evidence of the damage the Brexit vote has caused the UK economy. Of course, the UK economy still has many strengths. However, the main drag on the economy since the Global Financial Crisis has been weak productivity growth, exacerbated by Brexit.

Source: Irish Examiner January 19, 2026 12:10 UTC