Brexit's Lasting Impact on Family Relationships
Ten years after the EU referendum, many Remain voters recall painful divisions with loved ones who voted Leave, while others found ways to move on. The vote exposed deep political differences within families, with some relationships strained or broken, and others strengthened through mutual respect.
‘We still loved each other, but disagreed’
Al Moore, 58, a data scientist living in London, says he “slightly resents” his late father’s Leave vote. “My father voted leave as a protest vote against German supremacy – against the interests of his own children and grandchildren,” he explains. “Like so many Brexiters, Dad has since died and left us in this mess – and I slightly resent him for his vote.” Despite this, Al says they remained close after the referendum, though the topic was avoided. “We still loved each other, but disagreed, that’s all.” He voted Remain for his children, Britain’s interests, and European peace. “So much of what we feared has come to pass: a fractured Europe has extremist governments, Ukraine was invaded, and Britain is floundering alone.”
‘It broke the family relationship’
Sally*, 55, from south Wales, says the “family rift” remains “as strong as the day of the referendum.” Her mother-in-law voted Leave, claiming to protect her grandchildren. “It broke the family relationship because she is oblivious that her vote denied them opportunities,” says Sally, who works in computing. They avoid discussing Brexit, but when pressed, a massive argument erupted. Sally, who lived in the EU, adds: “Brexit was the ultimate demonstration of how banal slogans, austerity, and prejudice can be weaponised by self-serving politicians.”
‘I felt like an outlier – it was exhausting’
Jane*, a retired woman from Greater Manchester, found the referendum “painful” and “lonely.” She voted Remain, unlike her late husband, late mother, both sisters, and most relatives. “I felt like an outlier. It was a very painful, difficult, lonely, and exhausting time,” she says. Her husband and one sister later expressed regret, saying they believed Remain would win despite their protest votes. “My husband was embarrassed and angry with me. My sister kept saying, ‘I’m so sorry, why didn’t I listen to you?’” The vote also revealed how far right another sister had moved, affecting their relationship. “It made me realise how different my values are from most family members.”
‘Our friendship was more important than this event’
James*, 60, a retail director from East Sussex, believes “people can disagree without falling out.” While on holiday in Italy with friends of 35 years, both couples voted by post. The friends revealed they voted Leave for sovereignty reasons, shocking James. “I was mortified and could not believe it.” Yet the friendship endured. “The holiday ran for another week. It was tense for a couple of days, but we put it behind us. I firmly believed our friendship was more important than this event. We agreed to disagree, and we are still the best of friends now.”
*Names have been changed.
