Ten years after the United Kingdom's referendum on European Union membership, Michel Barnier, who served as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, reflected on the decision and its impact on both European and international politics. The referendum, held on June 23, 2016, saw the British public vote 52% to 48% in favor of leaving the bloc, with a high voter turnout.
Barnier, who was a European Commissioner at the time, played a central role in negotiating the terms of the UK's departure and its future relationship with the EU. This process was described as long and difficult, spanning the tenures of three different British prime ministers before the UK formally left the Union in January 2020.
In an interview, Barnier discussed the evolution of European and global politics since the UK's decision to leave. He emphasized the importance of unity in an increasingly fragile world. The Interview program features conversations with influential figures from around the globe, with past episodes including discussions with European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño and Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko.
The Interview is broadcast on the BBC World Service and is also available as a podcast on BBC Sounds and other podcast platforms. The program is presented by Katya Adler and produced by Ben Cooper and Kathy Long, with editing by Damon Rose. Viewers and listeners can contact the program via email at [email protected], using the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.