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Jun 22, 2026
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Brexit Bellwether Constituencies: 10 Years On

AI Summary
The Guardian revisits five bellwether constituencies from the 2016 EU referendum campaign to gauge opinions on Brexit a decade later. Residents in Torridge and West Devon, Ceredigion, Banff and Buchan, and Romford share their experiences and regrets.

The Brexit Referendum's Lasting Impact

The Guardian has revisited five bellwether constituencies reported on during the 2016 EU referendum campaign to assess how residents feel about Brexit 10 years later.

Torridge and West Devon: A Constituency That Voted Leave

Tony Rutherford, who voted leave in 2016, says Brexit has been a disaster for his business and the fishing industry. He cites increased export costs and bureaucratic hurdles as major issues.

  • Rutherford's business has incurred significant costs due to Brexit, including £2,000 a month for a French accountant.
  • He estimates that Brexit has cost his business £70,000.

Ceredigion: A Constituency That Voted Remain

Mark Williams, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, says the local agricultural sector has suffered since Brexit. Plaid Cymru's Ben Lake echoes these concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by upland sheep farmers.

  • University of Wales, Lampeter has closed since 2016.
  • The constituency is now part of Ceredigion Preseli.

Banff and Buchan: A Constituency That Voted Remain

David Milne, chair of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, feels that Brexit has not delivered the promised benefits for the fishing industry. He cites EU vessels exploiting Scottish waters as a major issue.

  • Milne says that Scottish fishers have continued to voluntarily close spawning grounds to rejuvenate cod stocks.
  • Boundary changes in 2024 mean the constituency of Banff and Buchan no longer exists.

Romford: A Constituency That Voted Leave

Residents in Romford, who campaigned for leave in 2016, now have mixed feelings about Brexit. The local Conservative party's fortunes have changed, with Reform UK taking control of Havering council.

  • Romford is described as a very right-wing town.
  • Some residents, like Michael White and Dilip Patel, have mixed feelings about Brexit.

The Lasting Legacy of Brexit

The revisit of these bellwether constituencies highlights the ongoing impact of Brexit on local communities and industries. Residents' experiences and regrets serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of leaving the EU.