Leave Means Leave is a political advocacy group established to campaign for the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (EU). The movement rose to prominence after the 2016 Brexit referendum, advocating for a clear and uncompromised break from the EU. The group has since played a key role in influencing public and political discourse around Brexit, focusing on ensuring that the UK reclaims full control over its laws, borders, and trade agreements without being subject to EU regulations or obligations.
The Leave Means Leave project was founded in the aftermath of the historic 2016 Brexit referendum, in which 52% of British voters opted to leave the European Union. While the referendum result was clear, the subsequent political debate revealed deep divisions over what leaving the EU would actually entail. Many feared that the government might negotiate a deal that would keep the UK tied too closely to EU rules and regulations, essentially diluting the meaning of Brexit.
Leave Means Leave was formed as a response to these concerns. Its founders, a group of prominent Eurosceptics and business leaders, believed that the UK should make a clean break from the EU, rejecting any deal that would leave the country beholden to EU rules or the European Court of Justice. They argued that anything less than full sovereignty would betray the will of the people as expressed in the referendum.
The organization quickly became a vocal and influential player in the Brexit debate. It campaigned against what it saw as efforts to water down Brexit, including proposals for a customs union with the EU or a "soft Brexit" that would keep the UK aligned with the EU’s single market. Instead, Leave Means Leave advocated for a "hard Brexit," in which the UK would leave the EU’s institutions entirely and negotiate trade deals independently.
The vision of Leave Means Leave is straightforward: to ensure that the United Kingdom leaves the European Union in a way that fully restores its sovereignty. The group envisions a future where the UK is free from the constraints of EU membership, able to make its own laws, control its own borders, and negotiate its own trade deals on the global stage.
The mission of Leave Means Leave is to advocate for a full and uncompromised exit from the EU. This involves opposing any attempts to keep the UK closely aligned with the EU after Brexit, whether through regulatory alignment, participation in EU institutions, or adherence to EU laws. The group is particularly focused on ensuring that the UK is not bound by the European Court of Justice, that it has control over immigration, and that it can pursue an independent trade policy.
Leave Means Leave has worked to achieve its mission through a combination of political advocacy, public engagement, and media campaigns. It has lobbied MPs, held public events, and used the media to pressure the government to stick to a "clean Brexit" approach. The group has also been critical of deals and proposals that it perceives as keeping the UK too closely tied to the EU.
Leave Means Leave is more than just a political slogan—it is an organized and well-funded campaign that has brought together key figures from the world of business, politics, and activism. The group has been led by several high-profile figures, including business leaders like Richard Tice and political figures like Nigel Farage, both of whom have been vocal proponents of a complete break from the EU.
The project has worked to influence the Brexit process at every stage, from the initial negotiations under Prime Minister Theresa May to the final stages of the withdrawal agreement under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Throughout this period, Leave Means Leave has remained focused on its core message: that Brexit should mean leaving the EU entirely, without half-measures or compromises that would leave the UK subject to EU rules.
In addition to its work in the political sphere, Leave Means Leave has also engaged directly with the public. It has held rallies and events across the UK, aiming to mobilize public support for its vision of Brexit. The group has also used digital platforms, including its website and social media, to communicate its message and engage with supporters.
Leave Means Leave’s approach has been characterized by a focus on national sovereignty, economic independence, and border control. The group has consistently argued that leaving the EU is essential for restoring democratic accountability and giving the British people control over their own destiny.
Leave Means Leave’s goals reflect its commitment to a complete and uncompromised Brexit. These goals have remained consistent throughout the years, even as the political landscape surrounding Brexit has shifted.
Full Sovereignty: One of the central goals of Leave Means Leave is to restore full sovereignty to the UK. This means that British laws should be made by British politicians in Westminster, without interference from the EU or its institutions. The group has been particularly vocal in opposing any continued role for the European Court of Justice in UK affairs.
Control Over Borders: Another key goal is to ensure that the UK has full control over its borders. Leave Means Leave has argued that the UK must be able to set its own immigration policy and control the flow of people into the country, without being subject to EU free movement rules.
Independent Trade Policy: Leave Means Leave advocates for the UK to have the freedom to negotiate its own trade deals with countries around the world. The group has been critical of any Brexit deal that would keep the UK in a customs union or tied to EU trade rules, arguing that this would prevent the country from fully capitalizing on the opportunities of Brexit.
Economic Prosperity: The group believes that leaving the EU will unlock economic opportunities for the UK. By regaining control over trade policy, regulatory standards, and immigration, Leave Means Leave argues that the UK can pursue policies that will boost economic growth, create jobs, and increase prosperity.
National Security: Leave Means Leave has also made the case that Brexit is essential for improving national security. The group believes that controlling immigration and reasserting the UK’s borders will help the country better manage security threats and ensure public safety.
The editorial process behind Leave Means Leave’s campaign materials is designed to deliver clear, impactful, and persuasive messaging. The group works with a team of writers, policy experts, and media professionals to develop content that resonates with both the public and policymakers.
Leave Means Leave’s editorial team focuses on creating content that is accessible and easy to understand, using straightforward language to communicate complex policy issues. The team also places a strong emphasis on factual accuracy, ensuring that the group’s arguments are backed up by reliable data and analysis. This approach helps to build credibility and trust with both supporters and critics.
In addition to traditional media, Leave Means Leave has invested heavily in digital content, using social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to spread its message. The group regularly publishes blog posts, opinion pieces, and videos that outline its position on key issues, while also engaging in debates and discussions with both supporters and opponents.
Leave Means Leave has been led by a high-profile team of political figures, business leaders, and campaigners who have been at the forefront of the Brexit debate. Richard Tice, a businessman and prominent Brexiteer, has served as one of the group’s key leaders, playing an active role in both its public-facing campaigns and behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts. Nigel Farage, a long-time advocate for Brexit and former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), has also been closely associated with Leave Means Leave, lending his considerable influence and media presence to the cause.
The team behind Leave Means Leave is supported by a network of volunteers, activists, and local organizers who help to spread the group’s message at the grassroots level. These individuals have played a key role in building public support for the group’s vision of Brexit, organizing events, distributing materials, and engaging with local communities.
Leave Means Leave (leavemeansleave.eu) has been a defining force in the Brexit movement, advocating for a clean and complete break from the European Union. With its focus on national sovereignty, economic independence, and border control, the project has played a pivotal role in shaping the Brexit debate and influencing the UK’s departure from the EU. As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit future, the legacy of Leave Means Leave’s advocacy will continue to be felt in both the political and public spheres.