Brexit is a 'complete disaster' and referendum 'should have been repeated'

Brexit has been slammed as a 'complete disaster' that 'ruined most of the country' in a poll marking nine years since the UK voted to leave the EU. Mirror readers slammed the European Union referendum, overwhelmingly voting that Brexit has failed.

The UK marked nine years since the Brexit referendum on June 23 2025. The vote - which signalled the UK's intention to leave the European Union - ultimately ended a 47-year relationship with the political and economic bloc.

Brits narrowly voted to leave the EU by 51.9% to 48.1%, a decision which lead to years of uncertainty across the country. A flurry of four different Conservative prime ministers ensued over a space of five years - including Liz Truss, whose premiership lasted just 49 days.

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Leaving the European Union has been proven to have made Brits' lives worse in at least six ways. Airport and port queues have grown drastically, food prices have spiralled out of control and small businesses have been forced to shut down. It has also become harder to work or study in the EU, music artists have been hit by a wave of barriers and NHS jobs have been left in chaos.

To mark the 9th anniversary of the day the UK voted out, we asked readers to give their opinions on Brexit, with over 25,000 people voting in the poll. In response to the question 'do you think Brexit has failed?', an overwhelming 71% (18,565) voted yes, slamming the referendum as a 'disaster', while just 29% (7,520) voted no.

Similarly, in response to the question 'do you feel better off since Brexit?', 78% (20,072) said no, while just 22% (20,072) said yes. We also asked 'should there be a second Brexit referendum?' and 'would you like to rejoin the EU?' - responses in both sections backed yes, with 66% (17,129) and 68% (17,572) respectively.

There's still time to take the poll below - if you can't see it, click here. Results may change from those written above.

What readers think

In response to the poll, readers shared their thoughts in the comment section. Viking888 wrote: “Brexit is a complete disaster. Ruined the country and most of the population.” While Bigal72 said: “ If it's been such a success why is the pound still 10% down making 40% of our food dearer.”

Iron57 said: “As far as the average person in the street is concerned, much of the pro Brexit propaganda that surrounded the leave campaign has been completely debunked. It’s time for a proper debate where those wanting to remain can get their voices heard instead of having to listen to a steady stream of lies and half truths for those wanting to leave. Perhaps the remainers will also wake up this time and join the debate from the beginning rather than waiting until debate is lost.”

Notanalt wrote: “You got what you voted for, we left the EU, that the reality isn't whatever British exceptionalism fantasy you dreamed up for yourself is not the fault of anyone but you!”

Suggesting Brexit is a failure, LynxVegas said: “A vote like this should have had the agreement of every hamlet, village, town, city, county, region and country in the UK, British Isles, Commonwealth, plus all British ex-pats abroad, not just those living in the UK. A straight majority was unfair to so many people who wanted to stay in the EU. What are Brexiteers scared of? Lets have another vote.”

Gozoman: “The majority of people is not satisfied with the outcome of the previous referendum and after 5 years it should have been repeated.”

However, on the opposing side of the debate, Nikgee said: “Brexit has and hasn't failed. The main reason why Brexit failed was down to the politicians who screwed up the transition from the EU to being out.”

What do you think? Do you agree with the readers' comments above? Nine years on from the Brexit referendum, has leaving the EU has been a failure? Take our poll and have your say in the comments below.