Brexit and Its Consequences

Introduction

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum that would send shockwaves across Europe and the world. By a narrow margin of 52% to 48%, the British public voted to leave the European Union, a political and economic partnership of which it had been a member for over 40 years. "Brexit," a portmanteau of "British exit," was a political earthquake. It triggered years of tumultuous negotiations, deep political division within the UK, and has had profound and lasting consequences for the country's economy, its society, and its place in the world.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

• Define Brexit and explain the results of the 2016 referendum.
• Identify the main arguments made by the "Leave" and "Remain" campaigns.
• Explain the key sticking points in the Brexit negotiations, such as the Irish border.
• Analyse the main economic and political consequences of the UK's departure from the EU.
• Understand how Brexit has impacted the unity of the United Kingdom itself.

Why Did Britain Vote to Leave? The "Leave" Campaign

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