France, Jan. 31 -- Five years after Brexit, the European Union appears to be setting the agenda in trade talks with Britain. Britons, meanwhile, are divided over whether the political and economic separation has been a success.

When the United Kingdom formally left the European Union at 11pm universal time on 31 January 2020, the economies on both sides of the English Channel entered unchartered waters.

While breaking from the EU was championed by Brexiteers as a step toward sovereignty and economic independence, its impact has been mixed.

As Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks better deals with Brussels, EU officials insist insist Britain must first implement the existing agreements before any concessions are considered.

The financial ...