Brexit: The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union

Introduction

Brexit (portmanteau of "British exit") is the process of the United Kingdom's (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU). The term was first used in 2012, and the withdrawal process began in 2016 following a referendum in which a majority of voters opted to leave the EU.

Background

The UK has been a member of the EU since 1973, when it joined the European Economic Community (EEC). However, there has been a long-standing Eurosceptic movement in the UK, and support for leaving the EU has grown in recent years.

The Referendum

In 2015, the Conservative government promised to hold a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU. The referendum was held on June 23, 2016, and resulted in a vote to leave the EU by a margin of 52% to 48%.

Withdrawal Process

Following the referendum, the UK government invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which began the two-year process of negotiating the country's withdrawal from the EU. The withdrawal agreement was finalized in 2019, and the UK left the EU on January 31, 2020.

Impact of Brexit

The impact of Brexit on the UK is still being debated, but it is clear that the withdrawal from the EU has had a significant economic and political impact. The UK's economy has slowed, and the value of the pound has fallen against other currencies.

Politically, Brexit has led to increased divisions within the UK. There have been calls for a second referendum on the issue, and the Scottish National Party has pledged to hold a referendum on Scottish independence if the UK leaves the EU.

Conclusion

Brexit is a complex and controversial issue that has had a profound impact on the UK. The full impact of Brexit is still being felt, and it is likely to continue to shape the country for years to come.