Brexit has been a divisive issue not just for the UK but for the entire European Union. The decision to leave the EU was a reflection of the aspirations and fears of a significant portion of the British public who believed that the country was being held back by its membership in the bloc. But what will the long-term implications be for the UK's relationship with the EU? In this article, we explore the far-reaching consequences of Brexit on the UK's ties with the EU.

Brexit has already caused turmoil in the UK's political landscape. Theresa May's government faced a lot of criticism for its handling of the negotiations and many believe that the outcome of the referendum has led to a polarisation of British society. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit has also caused serious economic damage, with various industries seeing a downturn in business and investors pulling out of the country. The pain is likely to continue for several years, as the UK restructures trade agreements with the EU and other countries.

One of the key consequences of Brexit is the deterioration of the UK's ties with the EU. With the UK no longer a member of the bloc, the two sides will need to negotiate new arrangements for trade, immigration and other aspects of their relationship. This will be a complex and challenging process, as the EU has made it clear that it will not tolerate a "cherry picking" approach whereby the UK gets to choose which parts of the EU it wants to retain access to. As such, Brexit is likely to lead to a widening gap between the UK and the EU, with the former becoming more isolated and the latter more self-sufficient.

The impact of Brexit on the UK's economy is difficult to predict, but it is likely to be negative in the short-term. With the free movement of goods and people no longer guaranteed, many businesses are expected to face higher costs and trade barriers. This could lead to a reduction in investment in the country and the relocation of companies to other EU member states. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit has already weakened the value of the pound, making imports more expensive and leading to higher inflation.

Brexit will also have far-reaching implications for the EU itself. With the UK being one of the largest economies in the bloc, its departure will create a significant funding gap that will need to be filled by other member states. The EU will also need to deal with rising nationalist and populist movements that may see Brexit as a reason to demand their own exit from the bloc. Furthermore, with the UK's departure, the EU loses an important partner in areas such as defence and security.

In conclusion, Brexit is likely to have a long-lasting impact on the UK's relationship with the EU. The divorce will be difficult and complex, with many yet-to-be-resolved questions about trade, immigration and security. While it is impossible to predict the exact outcome of Brexit, one thing is certain: the consequences will be felt not just in the UK but across the whole of Europe.