The UK's dramatic decline from a desirable destination to a place people are leaving stems from multiple converging crises. Soaring living costs, particularly housing, combined with stagnant wages have created an unsustainable situation where even middle-class professionals struggle to maintain a decent standard of living.
The deterioration of public services has profoundly impacted daily life. The NHS faces unprecedented challenges, public transportation is unreliable, and cities grapple with rising crime and visible homelessness. Infrastructure neglect is evident everywhere, from pothole-filled roads to poorly maintained public spaces.
Brexit has exacerbated these issues by limiting opportunities and creating barriers to international trade and movement. The rigid class system continues to stifle social mobility, while hostile policies deter international talent. Many skilled workers and students now choose countries offering better prospects, cleaner cities, and more affordable living conditions, leading to a concerning brain drain that further weakens the UK's economic and social fabric.