Britishness in Flux: The Impact of Brexit on National Identity

Abstract

This paper critically investigates the future of British national identity, commonly conceptualised as "Britishness", in the context of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European union. It situates Britishness within a broader analytical framework that examines the dynamic relationship between State institutions, political structures and National identity in the United Kingdom. Drawing on historical inquiry and contemporary analyses, the study demonstrates that Britishness, originally forged in the 18th century through the consolidation of the Acts of unions and, subsequently, reinforced by imperial narratives, has undergone significant transformations due to the dissolution of the British Empire, the gradual process of devolution, and the United Kingdom’s engagement with European integration. The Brexit referendum, functioned as a critical juncture, since it was framed by identity politics and nationalist rhetoric, and it revealed deep regional divisions within the United Kingdom. Divergent voting patterns in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales underscores the plurality of national and sub-national identities operating in the UK, and challenged the coherence of Britishness as a shared political Identity. The paper argues that Brexit has intensified debates about national identity, sovereignty, and the potential reconfiguration of the UK's political union, thereby compelling a reassessment of national identity in an era of heightened populism and political polarisation. In response to these challenges, the study contends that Britishness must adapt to a post-Brexit era by redefining its civic and ethno-cultural dimensions besides balancing inclusivity with distinctiveness. Hence, the need for a revitalized "Citizen Nation" model to sustain British identity amid ongoing significant transformations.