Class Notes: Brexit
1. What is Brexit?
● Brexit = “British Exit” from the European Union (EU).
● Referendum held on 23 June 2016: UK voted 51.9% Leave vs. 48.1% Remain.
● Officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, followed by a transition period until 31
December 2020.
2. Historical Background
● UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973.
● Euroscepticism grew over decades due to:
○ Perceived loss of sovereignty
○ Concerns over immigration
○ EU regulations affecting UK businesses
● 2013: PM David Cameron promised a referendum to settle the EU membership debate.
3. Key Reasons for Brexit
● Sovereignty: Desire to regain control over laws and borders.
● Immigration: Concerns about EU free movement policy.
● Economic arguments: Critics argued EU membership limited UK trade flexibility.
● Political factors: Rise of UK Independence Party (UKIP) pushed mainstream parties to
act.
4. Referendum Campaign
● Leave Campaign: Focused on sovereignty, immigration control, and “taking back
control.”
● Remain Campaign: Emphasized economic risks, loss of influence in Europe, and trade
disruption.
● Controversy: Claims of misinformation, including the “£350 million per week to EU”
claim.
5. Brexit Process
● 2016–2017: Political negotiations and leadership changes.
● Article 50 triggered**: 29 March 2017 → formal start of exit process.
● Multiple parliamentary votes rejected initial deals.
● 2019 General Election: Boris Johnson’s victory allowed passage of revised deal.
● End of Transition: 31 December 2020 → UK fully left EU single market &
customs union.
6. Key Agreements
● Withdrawal Agreement: Citizens’ rights, financial settlement, Northern Ireland protocol.
● Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA): Regulates post-Brexit trade, fishing rights,
security cooperation.
● Northern Ireland Protocol: Avoids hard border with Ireland; requires customs checks
on goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
7. Economic Impact
● Short-term disruption: trade friction, supply chain issues.
● Long-term impacts:
○ Reduced EU exports and imports
○ Increased bureaucracy for businesses
○ Potential opportunities for independent trade deals globally
8. Political and Social Impact
● Scotland and Northern Ireland: Renewed calls for independence or reunification.
● Domestic politics: Deep divisions within parties (Conservative & Labour).
● Public opinion: Still polarized; some regret, some satisfied with regained sovereignty.
9. Legacy
● Brexit marked a major shift in UK-EU relations.
● Redefined UK trade, immigration, and foreign policy.
● Demonstrated impact of populist movements and national sovereignty debates in
modern politics.
