George Osborne, the former UK Chancellor and current chair of the British Museum, has drawn a historical parallel between Brexit and the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Speaking to The Independent, Osborne suggested that while the Battle of Hastings represented a significant national defeat, it was not the final chapter of British history. He used this analogy to argue that the UK’s current relationship with the European Union is similarly not a permanent conclusion.

Osborne, who served as Chancellor during the 2016 referendum and campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU, indicated that the country must now look toward practical solutions to improve its standing. He specifically advocated for re-engaging with EU bodies and structures as a way to mitigate the economic and political consequences of the 2016 vote. By referencing the Bayeux Tapestry—which depicts the Norman Conquest and is currently under his stewardship at the British Museum—Osborne framed Brexit as a narrative that is still unfolding rather than a settled historical event.

While Osborne’s comments focus on the need for closer cooperation, he did not explicitly call for a full reversal of the referendum result. Instead, his remarks emphasize a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and trade. The commentary highlights a persistent divide in British political discourse, where figures from the Remain camp continue to seek pathways for closer alignment with Brussels, while the government maintains its post-Brexit sovereignty stance. Osborne’s intervention serves as a reminder that the debate over the UK's long-term relationship with Europe remains a central theme in British political life, despite the formal completion of the withdrawal process years ago.