Five years on: Brexit has weakened both Britain and Europe, says Garton Ash

Britain's relative decline in European and global influence; EU consolidating power among remaining members; Scotland and Northern Ireland gaining leverage to pursue independence/unification by threatening UK stability; France and Germany strengthening EU strategic autonomy without UK counterweight.

Similar to Britain's post-WWII loss of great power status and imperial influence, but accelerated by self-imposed isolation from European integration project that defined post-Cold War order.

UK consumers face higher food prices due to trade friction, reduced service sector competitiveness, and lower wages from diminished export capacity. EU consumers lose access to competitive UK services and goods.

Potential renegotiation of trade agreements, regulatory alignment discussions, infrastructure investment to offset trade losses, and possible fiscal stimulus to support affected regions. Risk of further political fragmentation (Scottish independence, Irish unification) complicating economic policy coordination.