Histoire UK L3 : Lecture 3

Why is the 2016 referendum considered unusual in terms of voting behavior?

Because it cut across traditional party lines—people did not vote strictly based on party affiliation.

How did geography influence the referendum results?

Cosmopolitan cities and regions voted Remain, while post-industrial and rural areas tended to vote Leave.

What does the Brexit vote reveal about globalization?

It shows that not all social groups benefit equally, leading to resentment in disadvantaged regions.

Why was “Brussels” often criticized?

It was portrayed as a distant and unaccountable power, making it an easy scapegoat.

What does “sovereignty” mean in the Brexit context?

The ability for the UK to make its own laws without EU interference.

How was “democracy” used in the Leave campaign?

The EU was depicted as undemocratic, with decisions made by unelected officials.

Why was immigration a central issue?

Free movement within the EU was seen by some as loss of control over borders.

What political strategy made Nigel Farage successful?

He focused on immigration and anti-EU rhetoric, connecting with public concerns.

Why was UKIP influential despite limited parliamentary success?

It shifted the national debate and pressured mainstream parties.

What happened to Farage after Brexit?

He left UKIP and later led the Brexit Party, pushing for a hard Brexit.

Why did David Cameron resign?

He had campaigned for Remain and lost political legitimacy after the Leave victory.

Why did Boris Johnson initially withdraw from leadership contention?

Due to political divisions and lack of support within his party at the time.

Why was Theresa May considered a “compromise candidate”?

She was seen as acceptable to both Leave and Remain supporters within the Conservative Party.

What contradiction defined May’s position?

She was a Eurosceptic who had supported Remain, creating ambiguity.

What did “Brexit means Brexit” imply?

That the referendum result would be fully implemented, without reversal.

What is the economic advantage of a soft Brexit?

Continued access to the EU single market, especially for financial services.

What is the political advantage of a hard Brexit?

Greater control over laws, borders, and trade policy.

Why was this debate so divisive?

Because it involved a trade-off between economic stability and political independence.

Why was Article 50 historically significant?

It was the first time a country used it to leave the EU.

=> gives the leaving country 2 years to negotiate an exit deal

=> must be approved by a “qualified majority” (72% of the 27 EU member states) and can be vetoed by the European Parliament

What limitation does Article 50 impose on the leaving country?

It cannot participate in EU decisions about its own exit.

What was the role of Michel Barnier?

To represent EU interests and maintain unity among member states.

Why was EU unity crucial?

To prevent individual countries from negotiating separately with the UK.

three important actors in the Brexit negotiations

• Michel Barnier : chief Brexit negotiator

• Jean-Claude Juncker : president of the European Commission until dec 2019 => succeeded by Ursula von der Leyen

• the European Council

Why did the EU insist on a financial settlement?

To ensure the UK honored commitments made as a member.

What risk did non-payment pose?

It could create budget conflicts between EU member states.

priorities of UK

• immigration

• negotitate a trade agreement to have access to the European single market=> otherwise would have to follow the WTO (OMC) rules : potential tariffs, checks on goods and on people

Withdrawal agreement

• jan 2017 : Britain’s Surpeme Court decided Parliament must have a say on any Brexit deal

• nov 2018 : Theresa signed a deal with Michel, under pressure from a groupe of Conservative, MPs who wanted a “harder” Brexit

=> agrée to give Parliament a vote on delaying the UK’s departure

• 12 march 2019 : MPs votes on

-May’s deal negotiated with the EU

-the 29th March deadline to leave the EU

• Conservative and Labour voted against Theresa May’s deal : the issue of '“take back control”'(Leave campaign motto) : sovereignty, rights and freedom of movement for people and businesses

What problem does the backstop try to solve?

Avoiding a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Ireland is divided into two parts:

• the Republic of Ireland

• Northern Ireland

Why is the Irish border sensitive?

Because of past conflict known as “The Troubles.”

=> over four decades of violence and armed conflict

=> the 1998 Good Friday Agreement concluded peace in NOI : no more physical border between those two parties

Why did UK MPs oppose the backstop?

It could trap the UK in EU rules indefinitely.

why did May resigned ?

May’s Conservative Party faced prolonged parliamentary deadlock over Brexit, a situation which eventually forced her resignation as Prime Minister.

Why was Parliament deeply divided?

Because MPs disagreed on how Brexit should be implemented, not whether it should happen.

What does “political deadlock” mean in this context?

A situation where no solution can gain majority support.

How did this deadlock affect governance?

It paralyzed decision-making for months.

How did the 2019 European elections reflect public opinion?

Voters punished traditional parties, especially Conservatives.

Why did Boris Johnson appeal to Conservative members?

He supported a clear and decisive Brexit strategy.

What are “retaliatory measures”?

Actions taken in response to another country’s policies.

What is “freedom of movement”?

The right to live, work, and study in another EU country.

What are “customs controls”?

Checks on goods crossing borders.

What is a “host country”?

The country where a foreign citizen resides.