On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit. The 2016 European Union membership referendum saw 51.9% of U.K. citizens vote in favor of leaving the E.U.
The U.K. joined the predecessor to the E.U., the European Communities, in 1973, and formed the European Union with eleven other nations in 1993. However, support for national sovereignty in the U.K. has often eclipsed efforts for broader integration into the E.U., culminating with the rise of the United Kingdom Independence Party in the early 2010’s.
The U.K.I.P. saw a rare and unprecedented series of third party electoral victories in 2013, 2014, and 2015, galvanizing anti-E.U. sentiment in the British government. The newly-elected administration passed the European Union Referendum Act 2015, allowing for a nationwide vote, and pledged to adhere to the constituents’ decision.
After the people of the U.K. voted in favor of Brexit, a complicated withdrawal process commenced. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, enacted under Prime Minister Theresa May, established a framework for the U.K. to leave the E.U. while retaining applicable E.U. policy. Negotiations concluded in an agreement signed by both parties in January, 2020.
The United Kingdom officially left the E.U. on February 1, 2020. The E.U.-U.K. Trade and Cooperation Agreement was signed on December 30, 2020, aimed at smoothing the transition of power, though experts insist the U.K. will experience a tumultuous economy, higher education and academic research issues, and a demographic crisis as a result of leaving the E.U. Still, the true effects of Brexit are yet to be seen.
Anthony Bringaze 