Introduction to the European Union – Brexit (Week 9)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the UK-EU relationship, Brexit referendum, negotiations, and post-referendum developments from Week 9 notes.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's process of leaving the European Union, following the 2016 referendum, including withdrawal negotiations and the pursuit of a future relationship with the EU.

2016 referendum on EU membership

The referendum that determined whether the UK would remain in or leave the EU; result: Leave won the vote.

Withdrawal Agreement

The treaty detailing the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, including arrangements for Northern Ireland and the transition period.

Political Declaration

A statement outlining the framework and goals for the future relationship between the UK and the EU after withdrawal.

Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)

The post-Brexit agreement governing trade, security, and cooperation between the UK and the EU.

Article 50 TEU

The treaty article that starts the process of a member state withdrawing from the EU; triggered by the UK in 2017.

Theresa May

UK Prime Minister who triggered Article 50 in 2017 and led Brexit negotiations until 2019.

Northern Ireland Protocol

Part of the Withdrawal Agreement addressing border issues by creating a regulatory border in the Irish Sea to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

Windsor Framework

February 2023 agreement that eases EU customs checks, gives the UK more control over VAT and medical regulation, and introduces the Stormont brake for NI.

Stormont brake

A mechanism within the Windsor Framework allowing the Northern Ireland Assembly to pause or object to certain new EU rules in some circumstances.

1975 Referendum

The referendum on UK membership of the European Community; resulted in a clear majority in favour, helped by support from the CBI, bishops, and the press.

CBI (Confederation of British Industry)

A major UK business lobby that supported membership in the 1975 referendum.

Schengen Area

A passport-free travel zone within much of Europe; the UK did not join Schengen.

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

The euro currency union that the UK rejected; the UK did not join EMU.

Opt-outs

UK exemptions from certain EU policies, contributing to it being less integrated than other member states.

Less integrated with the EU

A characterization of the UK's relationship with the EU due to opt-outs and special arrangements.

Elite nervousness about public opinion and legitimation

A view that elites feared public opinion would not fully support deeper EU integration, affecting legitimacy.

Conservative European policy shift

A major change in the Conservative Party's stance toward EU participation, including moments of closer alignment and Eurosceptic tensions.

Take back control

A Leave campaign slogan asserting that Brexit would restore sovereignty and national decision-making power.

£350m to the NHS claim

A Leave campaign claim that funds sent to the EU could be redirected to the NHS; widely contested.

2017 general election

Election called by Theresa May to strengthen her negotiating position; resulted in a minority Conservative government.

Zero quota, zero tariff (ZQZT) trade

Post-Brexit trade principle under the TCA that enables tariff- and quota-free trade in goods between the UK and the EU.

UK-EU relations under Labour

A proposed reset of relations with red lines (no full backtracking on migration or single market), emphasizing security and mobility.

Remain campaign slogan 'Britain stronger in Europe'

Remains campaign messaging asserting Britain would be stronger, safer, and better off inside the EU.

Referendum voting by region/demographics

Patterns showing how different regions and demographic groups voted Leave or Remain in the referendum.