Ten Years On: How Brexit Has Reshaped the South West Economy
Fishing Waters: Promise Versus Reality
When Cornish fishermen cast their votes for Brexit in 2016, they did so with optimism. The promise was straightforward: reclaim British waters from EU competitors and secure a fairer allocation of fishing quotas that would benefit our local fleet. A decade on, the reality tells a different story.
Phil Mitchell, a skipper based in Newlyn—a harbour town that’s been the heart of Cornwall’s fishing identity for generations—reflects the sentiment many in the industry now hold. ‘We’re probably worse off now than when we started,’ he says candidly. While the UK does technically control its own waters, the agreements negotiated by successive governments have allowed EU vessels continued access to British inshore waters until at least 2038. For smaller local trawlers competing against much larger foreign boats within the 12-mile limit, this feels like a betrayal of the referendum promise.
Adding insult to injury, the quota reallocation many hoped for never materialised. Instead, fishermen now face additional export controls and paperwork that make selling their catch abroad significantly harder. Mitchell himself had to sell his own boat—a telling symbol of the economic strain the industry continues to endure.
Farming Fortunes: Mixed Blessings in Rural Communities
For farmers across Devon and Cornwall, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy was both blessing and curse. It provided substantial subsidies based on land holdings that many small family operations depended on, but it also meant Brussels dictated farming practices and quotas.
Martin Howlett, who tends livestock near Callington in Cornwall, voted to remain in the EU largely because he feared Westminster wouldn’t prioritise agricultural support when deciding the national budget. His concerns seemed reasonable—would farming compete with NHS funding and education for government resources?
Yet the past decade has produced surprising mixed results. Livestock prices have roughly doubled, bringing welcome revenue to farmers who’ve managed to keep operating. Those improvements, however, have been offset by surging input costs—feed, fuel, and labour have all become significantly more expensive. What initially looked like a windfall has largely been absorbed by rising overheads.
Howlett describes the transition as ‘a bit of a mess,’ a phrase capturing the broader sentiment. Farmers have had to adapt rapidly to new subsidy schemes and trading arrangements. The South West’s agricultural sector hasn’t collapsed, but it’s operating in a state of constant adjustment, with older farmers particularly struggling to navigate the new landscape.
What Local Communities Should Watch Now
For those of us living in Cornwall and Devon, understanding these economic shifts matters because they affect our neighbours’ livelihoods and, ultimately, the vitality of our communities. When fishing families struggle, it ripples through villages dependent on the industry. When farm economics tighten, it pressures rural services and small towns.
If you’re considering a visit, go to Newquay or explore Fistral Beach—you’ll see the tourism infrastructure that’s become crucial as traditional industries face headwinds. The area has worked hard to diversify its economy, from visitor attractions to tech start-ups. Dog friendly accommodation and beaches welcoming dogs on beaches reflect how communities are adapting to attract year-round visitors.
Looking ahead, watch for government decisions on future fishing access agreements beyond 2026 and how new agricultural support schemes evolve. The South West’s economy isn’t broken, but it’s in transition. We should demand our political representatives deliver the promised benefits—or honestly acknowledge where expectations can’t be met. The coming years will determine whether our region thrives or merely survives this significant economic shift. Local voices matter: engage with your council representatives and community organisations pushing for fair deals for our fishing and farming sectors.
Source: Is the South West better or worse off 10 years after Brexit?
