Ricky Gervais explains why a Brexit won't actually make a difference

'The rich will still be rich, the poor will still be poor, and we'll still blame foreigners'

Ricky Gervais (Getty)

Post-Brexit disenchantment is growing among a younger generation who awoke feeling stripped of opportunities enjoyed by those who voted to leave the European Union.

The EU referendum result has exposed an intergenerational divide in the UK. Polling data shows 58 per cent of the over 65s voted to leave the EU while millennials and those aged between 18 and 24 overwhelmingly asked to remain.

The narrow vote for a Brexit by 52 per cent means some millennials, who could now see two recessions before turning 30, believe they have been denied the financial stability, secure pensions and job opportunities enjoyed by the baby boomers who voted to leave.

The feeling of disillusionment was summarised by Ricky Gervais. The comedian suggested that while Brexit may have triggered the Prime Minister's resignation, saw the value of the pound plummet against the dollar, prompted talks of a second Scottish referendum and sparked numerous think pieces about what happens next, it won’t actually make a difference.

He warned that while Britain may withdraw from the EU, social and economic inequality will be ever present and the finger of blame would only be pointed at one group.

“I know the young people of Britain have lost hope and feel let down,’ he joked. “But relax. The reintroduction of National Service will sort you out. I can't believe it took a referendum for Britain's youth to find out that old people hate them."

The EU debate drew voices from across the spectrum of actors, singers, politicians, models and social media influencers. It seemed almost everyone had a view on the polarising referendum.

The dismay felt by millennials was underscored by YouTubers including Alfie Deyes, who claimed the vote meant “the older generation has voted the future of the young.”

A parliamentary petition calling for changes to voting regulations that would engender a second referendum continues to gain traction and has amassed over 890,000 signatures since being launched on Friday. Only 100,000 are needed to trigger a parliamentary debate on the issue.