An equal exit? The distributional consequences of leaving the EU

Article

The UK’s vote to leave the EU arose in part from deep social and geographical divides across the country. But could the decision to leave in turn impact on inequalities?

In the two years since the referendum, some have argued that Brexit could boost the incomes of poorer groups through cheaper food prices, while others have argued that the most vulnerable groups and regions would bear the greatest burden of a ‘hard’ Brexit.

Based on data on GVA impacts and price impacts, this briefing tests these claims and explores how the effects on trade of Brexit could influence inequalities across income groups, geographies, genders and ethnicities.

Related items

  1. A view of Glasgow, Scotland, from above.

    More than a safety net: The welfare state as springboard to economic success and a better country

    A perceived conflict between social spending and economic dynamism is deeply embedded in both Scottish and UK political discourse.
  2. The Home Office building in London

    Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation

    How long should people have to wait until they can permanently settle in the UK? This is the core question underpinning the Home Office’s ‘earned settlement’ policy, currently out for consultation.

  3. Rethinking public sector productivity

    This is the second in a series of IPPR Scotland blogs as part of our project on Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector. This project is funded by the Robertson Trust.