The Brexit Sell-out of British People’s Freedom of Movement in Europe
by Jonty Hall
On 1 December 2025, Keir Starmer delivered a speech at the Lady Mayor’s Banquet in London that publicly acknowledged a truth many victors of the 2016 referendum—and their families abroad—have known for years: Brexit, as delivered, was a betrayal of the promises sold to the British people.
In that speech, Starmer admitted that the post-Brexit deal “significantly damaged” the UK economy. He argued that to restore Britain’s economic standing we must “keep reducing frictions” with the European Union — a statement that has sent ripples through communities of Britons living in Europe and young people who once believed in the freedom to move, live and work across the continent.
The “Reset” — But Not the Return of Free Movement
Under the new “reset” agenda, the government is seeking closer trade, security and cooperation ties with the EU: vetting agricultural agreements, sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) deals, mutual recognition of qualifications, and even a youth-mobility discussion.
Yet, despite courting Brussels for better economic relations, Starmer’s government — and its lead negotiator Nick Thomas‑Symonds — have repeatedly ruled out any return to the unrestricted movement of people, the Single Market, or the Customs Union “in our lifetime”.
What this means in practice: yes, more visas, more bilateral deals, perhaps more short-term mobility for talent and trade — but not the old promise that a Brit could simply move to Madrid or Berlin, get a job, study, or settle with their family as easily as before Brexit.
The Sell-out: What was Promised vs. What We Got
During the referendum, freedom of movement was framed as fundamental: access to jobs, education, opportunity across 27 countries, cultural exchange.
After “Leave” won, the reality hit quickly — new visa regimes, residency permits, 90-day limits for holiday and short work, for many the end of a dream to live abroad.
Now, with the reset pitched as progress, the government admits Brexit damaged the economy, yet draws red lines around people — the very core of movement and freedom claims.
In short: economic pragmatism without restoring people’s rights — a compromise that leaves many British citizens stranded not just figuratively, but legally.
Who Loses Most: Citizens, Youth, Migrant-Brits
Young people — the so-called “global generation” who might have studied or worked abroad. Without freedom of movement, their horizons shrink dramatically.
British citizens with EU ties — parents, siblings or partners across Europe face uncertainty over residency, work rights, or even seasonal upheaval.
Communities that thrived on cross-channel exchange — artists, seasonal workers, professionals, entrepreneurs — all find added barriers, paperwork, friction.
For many, the post-Brexit reset thus amounts to a “sell-out”: the UK wants the benefits of trade and cooperation, without the messiness of human mobility.
Starmer’s Speech: Honesty or Betrayal?
On one hand, Starmer’s admission that Brexit “hurt our economy” could be interpreted as honesty — a candid acknowledgement of what many already lived through.
On the other, by refusing to restore free movement rights — while seeking all other benefits of EU cooperation — the government appears to be picking and choosing what aspects of Europe it values: trade and economy, but not human connection or personal liberty.
That is a betrayal of the promises made to those who once believed that being British meant access to all of Europe — and a stark reminder that for many, Brexit never delivered “freedom”, only restriction.
If you like, Jonty Hall could follow this up with a feature-length article exploring personal stories of Britons whose lives and plans were upended by Brexit — to illustrate, human-to-human, what this “sell-out” truly means.