UK had the top record in Europe for implementing EU Directives - even Germany was behind UK. The others accepted the Directives, but "forgot" to pass the domestic legislation to bring them into force.
The rest of Europe thought we were stupid.
UK could take VAT off fuels - there was no EU rule on that - the requirement was that the EU share of VAT would not be reduced. That meant UK would have to increase VAT on rich people's luxury goods to make up the shortfall.
14 years of "austerity" only affected the lower orders. The rich became more wealthy and more became millionnaires & even billionaires & they're all taking their money abroad now.
Funnily enough, Gov has failed to reintroduce the old 1960s & 1970's limits on taking £ out of the country.