The Brexit Referendum

Setting the scene

The United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community in 1973, but Euroskepticism remained strong, especially in the Conservative Party. The EU expanded from 12 to 28 members by 2013, and the 2004 inclusion of Eastern European countries led to increased immigration to the UK—over 3 million EU citizens lived in Britain by 2016. The 2008 financial crisis and Eurozone debt crisis fueled resentment of EU bureaucracy. UKIP, led by Nigel Farage, won the 2014 European elections, pressuring Prime Minister David Cameron.

What happened

Cameron promised a referendum on EU membership to win the 2015 election, expecting to negotiate reforms and win easily. The referendum was held June 23, 2016. The Leave campaign, led by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, promised to 'take back control' of borders, laws, and £350 million per week for the NHS—a figure widely debunked. Remain warned of economic disaster. Leave won 51.9% to 48.1% on 72% turnout, with England and Wales voting Leave, Scotland and Northern Ireland voting Remain. Cameron resigned the next morning.

Why it still matters

Brexit took 4.5 years to implement, with Theresa May failing to pass a deal and resigning in 2019, and Boris Johnson winning an election to 'get Brexit done.' The UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, and the transition ended December 31, 2020. Brexit caused a 4% hit to UK GDP, labor shortages, and trade friction, especially in Northern Ireland, where the border issue threatened the Good Friday Agreement. It ended free movement, reshaped British politics, and proved that even 40-year economic unions could be undone by referendum, inspiring populist movements across Europe.

Background

The UK formally left the EU in 2020.