Rishi Sunak hails FIVE Brexit triumphs in anniversary message - and vows this is 'just the beginning'

Rishi Sunak hailed Britain's achievements since leaving the EU
Rishi Sunak hailed Britain's achievements since leaving the EU
PA
Dan Falvey

By Dan Falvey


Published: 31/01/2023

- 07:57

The Prime Minister said the country is confidently forging a new path as an 'independent nation'

Rishi Sunak hailed Britain's achievements since Brexit as he promised "this was just the beginning" of taking back control.

The Prime Minister pledged to go further to unlock the benefits of being outside the control of Brussels in a statement issued to mark the three year anniversary since the UK officially left the EU.


He said the country is confidently forging a new path as an “independent nation”.

Sunak, who voted Leave in 2016, pinpointed five areas where he argued progress has been made that would help boost the UK economy.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a Q&A session at Teesside University in Darlington, as part of his visit to County Durham. Picture date: Monday January 30, 2023.
Rishi Sunak said 'huge strides' had been made since leaving the EU
Oli Scarff

The Prime Minister highlighted the creation of new Freeports, slashing red tape in the financial sector, scrapping unnecessary EU laws imposed on the UK, promoting research and development through new international deals, and implementing a new subsidy scheme to help businesses as areas helping to make Britain thrive.

Officials say the Government's plans will help create better paid jobs and spread opportunity cross the country.

Marking the three-year Brexit anniversary, Sunak said: "In the three years since leaving the EU, we’ve made huge strides in harnessing the freedoms unlocked by Brexit to tackle generational challenges.

"Whether leading Europe’s fastest vaccine rollout, striking trade deals with over 70 countries or taking back control of our borders, we’ve forged a path as an independent nation with confidence.

"And in my first 100 days as Prime Minister, that momentum hasn’t slowed – we’re cutting red tape for businesses, levelling up through our freeports, and designing our own, fairer farming system to protect the British countryside.

"This is just the beginning of our plans to deliver on our five priorities, including growing the economy so we can create better paid jobs, and I’m determined to ensure the benefits of Brexit continue to empower communities and businesses right across the country.”

Britain led the EU on January 31, 2020 over three years after the UK voted to leave the bloc.

It took another 12 months before the country fully regained control, with the UK remaining under EU law for an 11 month transition period.

Pro-Brexit supporters gather in George Square, Glasgow, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union, ending 47 years of close and sometimes uncomfortable ties to Brussels. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday January 31, 2020. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
The UK left the EU on January 31, 2020
Andrew Milligan

Pro-Brexit supporters gather in George Square, Glasgow, as the UK prepares to leave the European Union, ending 47 years of close and sometimes uncomfortable ties to Brussels. PA Photo. Picture date: Friday January 31, 2020. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Despite huge celebrations when the UK quit the bloc, polling shows the Government has work to do on proving Brexit is a success
Andrew Milligan

However, despite the Prime Minister's optimism, new polling shows many in the country believe the Government has failed to deliver on the promise of the referendum.

A poll published by Ipsos on Monday found 45 per cent thought Brexit was going worse than they expected, up sharply from 28 per cent in June 2021, including just over one in four (26 per cent) of those who voted Leave in the 2016 referendum.

Fewer than one in 10 (nine per cent) – down six points on 2021 – said it was working out better than expected, while nearly two in five (39 per cent) said it was meeting their expectations, a seven-point drop.

Ipsos interviewed 1,000 GB adults aged 18-75 online on January 25 and 26.

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