Brexit

When did the brexit start?

In 2016 when the British public voted to leave the EU via a public vote

What led to brexit?

Immigration and finance concerns

What were the immigration concerns?

Free movement, public services, jobs

Why was free movement an immigration concern?

EU rules allowed people from EU countries to live and work in the UK

What were the finance concerns?

EU budget, value for money, spending control

Why did the withdrawal (leaving) agreement take years to finish?

Due to UK government disagreements, new leadership changes, legal issues (deal followed complex laws), Irish border issue, conflicting goals (Diff UK and EU priorities)

Why did British MEPs (members of parliament) leave during the transition period?

Because after the UK left the EU, MEPs no longer represented a member state

What were the brexit deals?

No deal, soft brexit, hard Brexit, Chequers deal

What would happen in the no deal scenario?

The UK would suddenly drop out of the EU without a transition period and with standard international trading rules. Tariffs and border checks would start right away, making trade expensive and difficult. Might lead to food shortages or economic crisis, and creates a hard border between Northern Ireland (UK) and Ireland (EU)

What is an advantage of the no deal scenario?

They would get control over borders and own policies on migration

What would the hard Brexit scenario be like?

There’d be a definitive split from the EU powers, like single market (Free trade and movement across EU), customs union (Same import rules and no tariffs within EU), and court of justice. The irish border situation would remain difficult and so would rights of citizens in UK and EU

What is an advantage of the hard Brexit scenario?

More freedom to set own rules and trade deals with other countries, would benefit some UK businesses but harms those relying on EU imports due to tariffs and border inspections

What would the soft Brexit scenario look like?

The UK stays closer to EU rules, helping businesses and avoiding delays and tariffs. Helps prevent hard Irish border.

What are the disadvantages of soft Brexit?

British companies would experience competition between other countries and UK misses out on making new trade deals

What would the Chequers deal scenario look like?

Keeping some ties with EU, while having more control over UK policies. Aims to avoid hard border

When did Britain officially leave the EU?

In 2020

What are tariffs?

Extra taxes on goods moving between the UK and EU