EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE – January 31, 2025, marks five years since the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, setting off a wave of economic and social changes across the country. Hull and East Yorkshire, with its strong ties to trade, agriculture, and maritime industries, has felt the effects in distinct ways. Amid the still largely entrenched views of leave and remain, here is an attempt at a balanced view of the real impact of Brexit on our region, its residents, culture and the wider local economy.
Hull & East Riding’s Economy
Economically, the consequences of Brexit have been mixed for our region. Many businesses that relied on EU trade have struggled with increased bureaucracy, higher costs, and supply chain disruptions. The remnants of our local fishing industry, once a key supporter of Brexit, have faced difficulties with export red tape and tariffs on shellfish bound for the EU. Andrew Foster, a local seafood exporter, explains: “Before Brexit, our shipments to France took 24 hours. Now, with all the paperwork, it can take up to three days, and that delay hurts our business.”
Agriculture has also felt the strain. Farmers in East Yorkshire have faced rising costs for fertilisers and machinery due to trade barriers. A recent study by the National Farmers’ Union indicated that small-scale farmers in our area have seen a 12% drop in exports to EU markets since 2021. To adapt, some have turned to domestic markets, with initiatives promoting “buy local” campaigns gaining traction.
That said, Brexit has created significant new opportunities. The Humber Freeport, launched to attract international investment, has encouraged new trade partnerships, particularly with North America and Asia. New free trade agreements have opened doors for local manufacturers to expand their exports beyond the EU, with emerging markets in Asia and Australia showing increased interest in British goods.
The fishing industry, while facing challenges, has also benefited from the UK’s ability to control its waters. More quotas are now allocated to British fishermen, and efforts are underway to expand domestic seafood markets and processing facilities to reduce reliance on EU exports.
Moreover, the ability to set independent agricultural policy means local farmers can now receive targeted subsidies tailored to their specific needs rather than conforming to broader EU frameworks. This has allowed for more flexibility in supporting sustainable farming and innovation within the sector.
Social Change
Socially, Brexit has reshaped our workforce and immigration patterns. Sectors like healthcare, construction, and agriculture, which once relied on EU workers, have experienced labour shortages. Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has reported a 20% drop in EU healthcare staff since 2020, contributing to longer waiting times across the board. In agriculture, the lack of seasonal workers has led some farms to scale back production or invest in automation.
To alleviate this situation, the government’s new visa system has opened the door for more non-EU workers, particularly from South Asia and Africa. While this has helped fill some gaps, businesses say the transition has been slow and costly. However, some local employers have welcomed the ability to tailor recruitment to a broader global talent pool rather than relying primarily on EU migration.
Local public sentiment in our area remains divided. A 2024 survey by the University of Hull found that 46% of residents believe Brexit has negatively impacted their lives, while 38% feel it has provided more control over local policies. Many express frustration over ongoing economic uncertainty, while others welcome what they see as regained sovereignty. The notion of sovereignty, for many, translates to a sense of democracy and control over our own laws and security, and for some, this outweighs any economic disadvantages.
Brexit has also sparked a renewed focus on local heritage, with events celebrating Hull’s maritime history and East Yorkshire’s agricultural traditions. Our cultural identity is being reinforced, with greater emphasis on regional pride, British traditions, and historical industries that define the area. There has also been a push to forge new global cultural ties, with initiatives such as the Hull International Festival maintaining international connections through arts and cultural exchange programmes.
Universities and research institutions have faced challenges, particularly with reduced collaboration with EU counterparts. Hull University, for example, has reported a 30% decline in EU student applications and fewer joint research projects since Brexit. However, new partnerships have emerged with institutions in the United States, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations, broadening the scope of academic exchange beyond Europe.
Looking Forward
Five years on, Hull and East Yorkshire continue to navigate Brexit’s evolving impact. While some businesses and industries have struggled, others are seeking out new opportunities. Socially, our region is adapting to a shifting labour market, and culturally, we are redefining our international connections.
Looking ahead, much will depend on how local and national policies respond to Brexit’s ongoing challenges. As we move forward, the focus appears to be on leveraging our strengths, maintaining global connections, and finding a pragmatic path in a post-EU Britain. There is no doubt that there are both advantages to be gained from Brexit for our area and dangers to guard against, and this should be high on the list of priorities for whoever is elected Mayor of the region later this year.