The Know Daily - Tuesday 24 June 2025

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Some of the world’s biggest media organisations – from The Guardian to Time magazine – have teamed up to spotlight stories of climate action and hope. With up to 89% of the world’s population wanting governments to take more action, The 89 Percent Project aims to be a new form of climate journalism, raising the voices of millions around the world who want to make a difference 🌏

🇬🇧🇪🇺 Brexit: nine years on

Almost a decade after the referendum, Britain is still working out what Brexit means — and how it fits into everyday life.

What happened in 2016?
On 23 June 2016, 52% of voters chose to leave the EU in a nationwide referendum. The vote was framed around sovereignty, control of immigration, and economic independence, but many were left disappointed once specific details on how these would be carried out were announced. Brexit formally happened on 31 January 2020, with a trade agreement eventually struck in December that year.

Where do we stand now?
Public opinion is increasingly sceptical: a majority of Brits now say Brexit has been more of a failure than a success. According to YouGov, only 13% believe it’s been a success, whilst around 56% would want to see the UK return to the EU.

What has changed for the public?
The everyday impacts of Brexit are now clearer. Shoppers have seen rising food prices, partly linked to trade friction. Travellers face more paperwork, queues, and roaming charges in Europe. Businesses, particularly small exporters, report increased red tape and labour shortages – especially in sectors like farming. However, the recent Brexit reset deal was hailed as a success by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described concessions on issues like fishing and youth visas as a “win-win”.

And politically?
Many of Brexit’s key architects have since left the frontline, including Boris Johnson, who led the campaign to leave and has quit Parliament. Nigel Farage is now campaigning under the Reform UK banner and is polling strongly. The Conservatives, who promised to “get Brexit done”, have faced more pressure, while Labour appears to favour closer EU ties.

Is there appetite for rejoining the EU?
There’s still support but little political momentum, with no major parties currently pushing for rejoining. The EU itself shows limited interest in restarting talks, and rejoining would likely come with tougher terms. Younger voters, who mostly backed to remain in the EU, are now a larger part of the electorate. But even with a shift in opinion, re-entry isn’t a near-term political priority.

What’s next?
Some politicians are calling for a “closer relationship” with the EU, such as alignment on food standards or participation in student exchange schemes. Others still defend the decision as a necessary step towards national independence. Discussions will be ongoing as the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit future.

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🚙 (Qu)easy rides: Experts are uncovering new ways to make rides in electric vehicles more comfortable for those prone to motion sickness.

• The bigger story: The ultra-smooth and quiet drive of EVs can sometimes throw off our sense of motion, particularly in children and back seat passengers. But this discovery is leading to smarter, more user-friendly design solutions. Car manufacturers are now exploring innovations like interactive screens, ambient lighting and vibrational cues. 

🧪 Convenient kit: Women in England who don't come forward for cervical cancer screening will be offered home-testing kits by the NHS to make the process more accessible.

🐋 Whale skincare: Orca pods in the Salish Sea, off the coast of British Columbia and Washington, were found to be rubbing kelp between their bodies, which researchers say could be a grooming and bonding activity.

🥼 Health tech: AI medical devices are being tested directly with regulators under the UK government's AI Airlock programme, bringing health innovations to patients faster.

👑 Magnificent memorial: Lord Foster’s design has been chosen for the Queen Elizabeth memorial in St James’s Park.

👩‍🔬 Clever creations: Ten young inventors have received awards for developing technologies that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They include making fabric fibres from carbon dioxide and biodegradable sachets that extend the shelf life of fruit.

🍸 Super spritz: This cocktail from the Northern Italian Alps is experiencing a surge in popularity as more choose lower alcohol options.

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Trivia answer: B) Hulu is referring to it as the “Untitled Buffyverse Pilot” as they keep plans largely under wraps.

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