My generation had no voice on Brexit – but Burnham gives the young fresh hope on Europe
A young writer argues that Brexit has limited opportunities for her generation, and calls for closer ties with Europe and a potential rejoin vote under Prime Minister Burnham.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash Lite
The author, who was too young to vote in the Brexit referendum, highlights how the decision has curtailed opportunities for young people, particularly those from working-class backgrounds. She sees hope in Prime Minister Burnham's potential to re-establish closer ties with Europe and advocates for a new referendum, including younger voters.
Imagine your parents decided to close the door to your biggest playground, and you weren't allowed to say anything. Now, you can't easily play with friends in other countries, learn their games, or even visit them without a lot of extra rules and costs. This story says a new leader might help reopen that door, and young people want a chance to vote on it this time.
Analysis
Brexit's Impact on Young People
The author, Ceira Sergeant, articulates a profound sense of disenfranchisement experienced by her generation, who were too young to vote in the 2016 Brexit referendum but are now living with its consequences. She emphasizes that the automatic right to live, work, and study freely across 27 European countries, once taken for granted by previous generations, is now significantly more complicated, expensive, or entirely out of reach for many. This loss of freedom of movement disproportionately affects working-class young people, for whom it represented a tangible pathway to broader experiences, cultural immersion, language learning, and career advancement. The article posits that Brexit has exacerbated existing economic challenges faced by young people, such as stagnant real incomes for two decades and the prospect of having less than their parents, by erecting economic barriers against the UK's largest neighboring market.
Andy Burnham's Potential Role
The piece identifies Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a potential catalyst for change, noting his past statements advocating for the UK's return to the EU. Sergeant urges Burnham to actively dismantle the barriers created by Brexit, specifically by facilitating easier study and work opportunities in Europe for young individuals. She stresses that these opportunities should not be exclusive to the wealthy who can afford to navigate the increased costs and bureaucracy. The author's message to Burnham is one of courage: to not merely seek incremental adjustments but to be bold in pursuing a path that genuinely restores opportunities and considers a full re-engagement with the European Union. The call for a new referendum, crucially including 16- and 17-year-olds, underscores the desire for a democratic correction to a decision that profoundly impacts their future.
The Silenced Generation's Demand
Sergeant frames her generation as the 'silenced generation,' who, having been denied a voice in 2016, are now adults ready to demand a say in their future. The article critiques the political narrative that suggests reversing Brexit is impossible or off-limits for discussion, suggesting this stance contributes to political disengagement among young people. The upcoming National Rejoin March in June 2027, composed entirely of those who were too young to vote in 2016, symbolizes a collective assertion of agency. The author conveys a clear message: the time has come to hear from those who were excluded from the original decision, and her generation intends to make their voices heard through voting, protesting, and demanding a better future in Europe.
Key points
- Young people who were too young to vote in the Brexit referendum are now facing limited opportunities for work, study, and life in Europe.
- Freedom of movement was a crucial opportunity for working-class youth, enabling cultural experiences and career advancement.
- Brexit has exacerbated existing economic challenges for young people, including stagnant wages and unaffordable housing.
- The author calls on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to remove Brexit-related barriers and advocates for a new referendum that includes younger voters.
- The 'silenced generation' is now demanding a voice and agency in shaping their future relationship with Europe.
If Prime Minister Burnham embraces closer ties with Europe, young people could regain access to educational and career opportunities previously lost due to Brexit. This could lead to increased cultural exchange, economic mobility, and a renewed sense of optimism for a generation facing significant financial challenges.
Despite calls for change, political inertia or resistance to revisiting Brexit could leave young people's opportunities curtailed. The continued economic barriers and bureaucratic hurdles may further entrench their disadvantage, potentially leading to increased disillusionment with the political process.
