Former Chancellor George Osborne has criticized Brexit, comparing its impact to the historical defeat at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and stating that the UK economy has "fallen off a cliff" since the 2016 referendum. Osborne, who resigned as Conservative chancellor in 2016 after supporting then-Prime Minister David Cameron on the losing side, argues that the only path to recovery lies in rejoining the EU’s Brussels-run Customs Union. He claims that a "conspiracy of silence" among politicians, business leaders, and union representatives is preventing crucial efforts to rebuild ties with the European Union. Currently chair of the British Museum and overseeing the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London, Osborne draws parallels between the medieval tapestry and Brexit, suggesting that just as the tapestry depicts an ongoing story, so too is Brexit a continuing chapter. He argues that the damage caused by Brexit can be undone through re-engagement with European neighbors on issues like immigration, economic policy, and the regulation of emerging technologies. While Osborne acknowledges that rejoining the EU itself may be difficult in the near future, he believes joining the Customs Union would be a relatively straightforward short-term solution to many of the UK’s current problems. He criticizes the Brexiteers for believing the UK would secure major trade deals with the United States, calling this belief "fanciful" given the lack of progress so far. Osborne also comments on the shifting political landscape, noting that the Conservatives and Labour have "swapped their voters without realizing," partly due to Brexit. He expresses caution about the Conservatives’ chances of regaining power, suggesting that current leader Kemi Badenoch might need to consider an election pact with Nigel Farage if it becomes the only path to victory. However, Badenoch has previously dismissed the idea of a Tory-Reform alliance as "monstrous." Osborne praises the energetic leadership of new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham, contrasting it with the "utter chaos" that followed the Brexit referendum. He also shows sympathy for disgraced peer Peter Mandelson, who was fined for urinating outside Osborne’s London home after a dinner, and criticizes the media’s treatment of Mandelson. Additionally, Osborne highlights the recent death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who faced intense media scrutiny over a plagiarism controversy, using it as an example of the harsh treatment of public figures by the press.