Pro-Brexit Conference Decries “Great Betrayal” and Defends the Leave Vote

On 19 May 2026, a gathering of prominent pro-Brexit politicians convened to assess the legacy of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. The programme opened with former MEP David Campbell Bannerman, followed by speeches from Lord Frost, former minister David Jones, peer Claire Fox and former Treasury minister John Redwood. Speakers framed the meeting as a response to what they described as a “great betrayal” of the Brexit mandate.

The Guardian

The conference took place against a backdrop of continued political contestation since the 2016 referendum that authorised the UK’s exit from the EU. Pro-Leave advocates have repeatedly asserted that the decision was a fulfilment of democratic intent, while opponents have called for a reversal of the departure.

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• David Campbell Bannerman – Opened the event, praising the UK’s “integrity to leave the EU.”

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• Lord Frost – Acknowledged shortcomings of the negotiated deal, yet urged a revival of post-referendum enthusiasm.

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• David Jones – Emphasised the need for renewed enthusiasm for Brexit.

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• Claire Fox – Declared the speeches she heard as the best Brexit address she had encountered.

The Guardian

• John Redwood – Contended that economists had mis-analysed the impact of Brexit.

The Guardian

Speakers collectively asserted that Brexit had not failed and that the original deal, despite criticism, represented the best possible outcome. Lord Frost attributed ongoing issues in Northern Ireland to the EU, while John Redwood argued that economic forecasts had been “upside down.” The conference narrative positioned the current political climate as a deviation from the original Brexit vision.

The Guardian

Critics at the event described the speakers as “delusional” and “desperate,” suggesting a disconnect between their rhetoric and public sentiment. Opposition leaders—Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Labour deputy leader Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham—have been reported as pursuing steps to re-join the EU, framing the Brexit outcome as a “disaster.”

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• Some analyses cited a 4 % decline in UK GDP attributed to Brexit.

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• Speakers countered that Brexit had delivered a net economic benefit, referencing the historic “Thatcher rebate” as evidence of prior gains.

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The conference presented a stark contrast between the claim of a 4 % GDP contraction and the assertion of overall net benefit. No independent verification of either figure was provided within the source material, leaving the magnitude of Brexit’s economic impact unresolved.

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The gathering underscores the persistence of divergent narratives about the Brexit decision and highlights its relevance to forthcoming political strategies, particularly as opposition parties advocate for renewed EU integration.

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• “Brexit has not failed,” — David Campbell Bannerman

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• “We need to revive the excitement of the day after the referendum,” — Lord Frost

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• “They had got their tables upside down.” — John Redwood

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• “Throw off the shackles, Britain can be great again,” — John Redwood

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Reports indicate that Starmer, Streeting and Burnham are preparing initiatives aimed at re-joining the EU, suggesting that the debate highlighted at the conference will continue to shape UK politics in the months ahead.

The Guardian