Brexit and the UK Economy: Benefits and Challenges
Introduction
Brexit is the short form of “British
Exit” i.e. it refers to the decision of U.K to leave the European Union. The
motion was initiated by a referendum on 2016. The formal process began in May
2017 (Begg, 2017). It
was the decision of the Prime Minister of Britain Theresa May. The decision was
criticised and analysed by many economists globally. The motion was passed by
attaining 51.9 per cent of the votes, whereas 48.1 per cent voters voted
against this motion. Many studies have been done on what are the implications
of Brexit on the economy of U.K as major changes will shape up the situation
due to the monopoly of U.K (Begg, 2017).
Benefits
According to a study conducted by
Economists for Free Trade, there will be a 5 to 7 per cent boost in the economy
of U.K due to its exit from the EU as it can adopt free trade. By being free
from the regulations of the EU, U.K can reduce costs and expenses relating to
businesses. The deregulation will lead to a boost of 2-7.5 per cent (Begg, 2017). The immediate advantage is
the freedom from payment of membership fee to EU which is very hefty. The U.K can collaborate with unilateral trade
law and reduce barriers with the non-member countries of the EU. This will
strengthen trade relations and lead to an increase in GDP of U.K in the coming
15 years (Begg, 2017). By giving up on the membership
of the EU, U.K has gained freedom over many domestic affairs and product
pricing. Thus, it can design tariffs and product specification suited to its
needs and growing demand for home products (Ivana Kottasová, 2019).
The fishing industry will thrive immensely. The immigration problem of U.K will
be solved which will lead to an increase in employment. Since, by leaving the
European Union, U.K can curb the problem of terrorism by controlling its
borders and thus it has to invest less in counteracting these attacks. This can
result in utilising of those funds in improving agricultural and aerospace
sectors and the creation of jobs (Ivana Kottasová, 2019).
Challenges
There will be an immediate downfall
in the economic condition of U.K after Brexit. It may lose its stand as the
world’s major financial centre. Within the EU, the member states had the
benefit of tariff-free export and import. However, now U.K will lose that
benefit and has to face major challenges in form of a reduction in trade with
the member countries. Moreover, it will also lead to a magnification of the
trade barrier with the other countries which have treaties with the EU. It will
be devoid of benefits from the trade deals (Ivana Kottasová, 2019).
Majority of the foreign direct investments were provided by EU countries to the
UK. This will be ceased and the economy of U.K will take a major hit and its
overall productivity will decrease. By lowering of immigration due to Brexit,
the number of skilled labourers and workers are reducing and this has impacted
the innovation and quality of service. About three million jobs will be lost
due to Brexit due lowering of the flexibility of movement across borders. The
GDP may fall by 0.2-1.6 per cent. The markets and different sectors of U.K will
take time to establish their sovereignty and this can lead to economic
crisis. The citizens will be impacted as
their wages can be reduced and quality of life can be degraded (Ivana Kottasová, 2019).
Conclusion
The macroeconomic and microeconomics
conditions around the globe changes at every instant. Thus. It cannot be said
surely whether Brexit is harmful or advantageous to U.K. If U.K can handle the
effects of Brexit properly and implement its policies strategically then only
it can become self-sustaining and thriving economy like Singapore. The downside
is that the improper implementation of policies and political conditions can
significantly hamper the economy of U.K due to the backlash from the European
Union. Brexit wild impact all the countries of the world and is bringing a
major variation in the trade laws and tariffs.
Reference
Begg, I. (2017). Making sense of the costs and
benefits of Brexit: challenges for economists. Atlantic Economic
Journal, 45(3), 299-315.
Ivana Kottasová, C. (2019). The UK
government says its Brexit deal will hurt the economy. Retrieved from
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/28/economy/brexit-economic-impact/index.html
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