‘There’s no jobs’: struggle and regret in a Welsh town that backed Brexit

Ebbw Vale, a town in Wales that voted overwhelmingly to leave the European Union ten years ago, is experiencing significant economic struggles and regret, according to a report by The Guardian published on June 21, 2026. Despite substantial EU funding that facilitated the development of modern public facilities such as a hospital, leisure center, and college, alongside a cybersecurity research center and two tech firms, the town's economic revitalization appears limited. A new railway station opened in 2015, but during a recent visit, the area was described as quiet, with few people utilizing the new infrastructure. The report highlights a disconnect between the investment and visible economic activity, suggesting that the promised benefits of Brexit have not materialized for the town. The sentiment in Ebbw Vale reflects a broader disillusionment in areas that heavily supported leaving the EU, particularly concerning job opportunities and economic prospects.