The Brexit Debate: Ten years on

Ten years on from the Brexit referendum – the vote meant to set us free from a fractious relationship – Britain is far from taking flight.

Against the wishes of those who voted for greater sovereignty, the government is now pushing for a ‘reset’, with closer alignment to the EU. Those who voted to strengthen Britain’s borders feel betrayed by huge increases in immigration. And, despite striking new trade agreements beyond Europe, our economy remains constrained by continental levels of taxation and regulation.

All this raises a pressing question: was Brexit a mistake – or are its promised freedoms simply yet to be realised? With the government unwilling to act boldly, smoothing Brexit’s edges rather than seizing its opportunities, are we quietly edging back into Europe’s embrace?

Join The Spectator for a special event marking ten years since the referendum. Prominent critics of Brexit – barrister and former Conservative MP Dominic Grieve KC, and Spectator columnist Matthew Parris – will propose the motion ‘This house believes Brexit was a mistake’, with leading advocates, former Brexit Party MEP Baroness Claire Fox and Spectator Editor Michael Gove, opposing. The Spectator’s assistant editor Isabel Hardman will chair.

The event will end at 8.20pm.

Are you a Spectator subscriber? Spectator subscribers receive £10 off tickets to all our events and for as little as £3 for 3 months, you can be a subscriber too! Head to spectator.com/join and choose a subscription that suits you.

Info: Isabel Hardman will introduce the debate and our speakers.

Info: Each debater will have roughly five minutes for their opening remarks.

Info: The floor is open for speakers to question each other.

Info: The speakers will have time to conclude their arguments before the audience vote.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, London, United Kingdom

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