Brexit a decade later - London's reaction

Martyn Hayes
4 hours ago
3 min read

Person holding EU flag near London Eye. Text reads "Brexit a decade later" and website link. Calm, reflective mood.

A photographic essay on the UK capital's resistance in 2016

Ten years ago, Britain’s decision to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through London’s streets. You may recall that while much of the UK was in celebration after the referendum, these feelings weren't felt in Scotland, Northern Ireland or London where the majority voted to remain.

As a photographer, you know how moments of change create powerful stories and images. London’s response to Brexit was not just political or economic—it was visual, emotional, and deeply human. This post explores how London pushed back after the 2016 referendum, capturing the city’s resilience and transformation through a photographic lens.

People waving EU flags on a bridge near the London Eye. Clear blue sky, lively crowd. Joyful mood, vibrant colors.

Documenting history

The Brexit vote on 23 June 2016, marked a turning point. Londoners woke up to uncertainty, with many feeling disconnected from the national decision. The city, known for its diversity and international connections, faced a challenge to its identity.

With the city finding itself at odds with much of the UK, I found myself itching to document the series of protests in the years that followed.

On numerous occasions, thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Parliament Square and throughout the West End. There were demands for a second referendum and expressions of regret. The streets filled with banners, placards. London’s iconic landmarks became backdrops for expressions of hope and defiance.

A man draped in an EU flag holds papers at a sunny outdoor gathering. People around him appear engaged. Trees are visible in the background.

This period offered rich material for photographers interested in capturing social movements in this period of uncertainty and change.

Crowd at a city protest, man holds red "Missing Person" sign with a photo and text underneath. European flags visible, cloudy sky.

The role of photography in documenting change

Photography played a crucial role in telling London’s Brexit story. Visual storytelling helps people process complex emotions and political realities. As a photographer, you understand the power of images to capture moments that words alone cannot.

As you can see, I opted for colour and was heavily inspired by the works of Martin Parr. My intention was to document history - To create something for future generations to look back on and ask questions.

Street scene with people walking and cycling near a monument. A red double-decker bus and orange van are visible. Clear, sunny day.

Why London opposed Brexit and voted remain

28 out of 33 boroughs voted to stay in the EU. Having lived here for 20 years, I think there are lots of reasons for this. Looking back, there are probably many subtle factors at play.

London is a mix of cultures from all over the world. Boroughs with a high multicultural population, like Lambeth with 79% and Hackney with 78%, voted to stay.

The city's businesses had strong ties with Europe. I remember people were worried about leaving the single market of 500 million people.

I'm staying neutral in this post. But if you want more info on why London chose to remain in the EU, check out the BBC link below:

BBC - EU referendum: Most London boroughs vote to remain

People at a protest holding EU flags. A child is smiling and waving. Blue and yellow colors dominate. Crowd in the background.

A person in a red shirt sings into a mic at a lively protest. EU flag visible. Crowd with signs in the background. Energetic atmosphere.

Man holds a dog in a crowd. A woman in a blue hat smiles nearby. The scene is outdoors with trees and buildings in the background.

People hugging at a gathering with EU flags. One wears a "Stop Brexit" cap and shades. Another has a "First Aid" backpack. Bright and social scene.

Protesters with signs about insulin stand outside, one holds an EU flag. A woman in red coat, buildings and trees in the background.

Boy holding a handmade sign stands with a crowd on a city street. People watch something off-frame. Sunny day, historic buildings behind.

People gather outdoors, some holding signs. A woman in blue and gold stands in sunlight. Trees and crowds surround. Daytime, lively atmosphere.

Man holding a sign reading "We demand a people's vote on the Brexit deal," stands near a statue in a park. Autumn trees and buildings in the background.

Man holds satirical paintings of politicians on a busy street, with onlookers and buildings in the background. Bright and lively scene.

A man in a monk robe and a police officer in a high-visibility jacket stand in a lively street. Sunlight filters through trees.

Protesters hold signs, one reads "A Brexit Deal with the Devil," in a city setting. Expressions are serious, with sunlight illuminating the scene.

Man livestreams at protest with European flags, smoke, and crowd in background. Bright daylight, building with arches visible.

Crowd at a protest holding a large sign reading "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" in blue. Urban setting, sunny day, diverse group.

People at a peaceful rally, one woman holding an EU flag. Bright, sunny day with trees in the background. Energetic and hopeful mood.

People at a protest holding EU flags, one playing a recorder. The crowd is in a park setting, with vibrant blue and yellow colors.

People marching with EU flags and protest signs in a city. One person stands on a fence. Bright blue and yellow colors. Urban setting.

People march on a sunny street with Big Ben in the background. A protester holds a sign saying "Can't leave without EU."

Woman on phone leans against pole with sign reading "Everyone can see you're naked" in front of historic building, surrounded by a crowd.

Crowd gathers in a city square with statues and historic buildings, holding blue flags with yellow stars, under a clear blue sky. Mood: peaceful.

Young woman holding a protest sign walks with a man on a busy city street. People are gathered, and Parliament / Elizabeth Tower are visible behind them.

Two people hold humorous protest signs in a park, surrounded by other demonstrators with flags. Overcast sky and grass set the scene.

Four people joyfully hold a colorful banner reading "CTRL + ALT + DLT" in front of a Buckingham Palace, with a crowd and overcast sky.

Protesters holding red flags and signs with slogans, like "Build Unions Not Borders". Bright day with red smoke in the air. Energetic mood.

Crowd at a protest in a grassy area with an EU flag. Signs say "Brexit really worth it?" People are sitting; vibrant, sunny atmosphere.

Looking Ahead: London’s continuing pushback

In the years that followed the Brexit vote, international politics in the West became turbulant. Donald Trump was elected twice to govern the United States, and Vladimir Putin launched Russia's full scale attack on Ukraine.

London continued to voice its concerns and protest. Its liberal heart is very much warn on the sleaves of Londoners.

The advantage we have as photographers is our ability to document these feelings - To freeze them in time. We are able to contribute to a visual history that future generations will study and learn from.

Like what you see?

Be sure to explore this website for more photo documentaries. Be sure to share your thoughts via the comments below.