Profile In Focus | Brexit
"Flag for Brexit" by Mrmw under CC0 1.0
Brexit, the process of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, was a complex and momentous event that unfolded over several years. Let's take a closer look at the key moments and developments in this journey.
It all began in February 2014 when then-Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold a referendum on the UK's EU membership if his Conservative Party won the general election. Little did he know that this decision would set in motion a series of events that would shape the country's future.
In the first part of our Brexit profile, covering the period from February 2014 to December 2016, we witnessed the intensification of debates and campaigns leading up to the referendum. The Leave campaign, led by figures like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage, argued for regaining control of the UK's sovereignty and borders. On the other hand, the Remain campaign, supported by Cameron and other political leaders, highlighted the economic benefits and security advantages of staying in the EU.
As 2016 arrived, we entered the second phase of our Brexit profile. The year started with Cameron renegotiating the UK's EU membership terms, hoping to secure a better deal and win public support for Remain. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Leave campaign emerged victorious in the referendum held on June 23, 2016. The UK voted to leave the EU by a narrow margin.
The aftermath of the referendum marked the beginning of a challenging journey. Theresa May succeeded Cameron as Prime Minister and faced the daunting task of negotiating the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. In our third and fourth parts of the profile, which cover January to June 2018 and July to December 2018, respectively, we delve into the intricate details of the negotiations.
The negotiations were fraught with complexities, particularly regarding the Irish border issue. The UK and the EU aimed to find a solution that would preserve the peace process in Northern Ireland while maintaining an open border. However, finding a mutually agreeable solution proved to be immensely challenging.
In part five, which encompasses the year 2019, we witness the twists and turns that unfolded in the UK's attempts to leave the EU. After months of negotiations, May's proposed withdrawal agreement faced significant opposition within Parliament, leading to several rejected votes. As the October 31 deadline approached, a new agreement was reached between the UK and the EU under Prime Minister Boris Johnson's leadership.
Part six takes us into the tumultuous year of 2020, which began with the UK formally leaving the EU on January 31. However, the departure marked the start of a transition period, during which both sides aimed to negotiate a new trade agreement. The negotiations were challenging, with contentious issues such as fishing rights and regulatory alignment causing significant delays and tensions.
In part seven, covering the year 2021, we witness the final stages of the negotiations and the signing of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on December 30, 2020. The agreement established the terms for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, covering areas such as trade, security, and cooperation.
Part eight of our profile delves into the year 2022, as the UK began to navigate the post-Brexit landscape. It was a year of adjustments and challenges as the UK sought to establish its place in the global arena and negotiate trade deals with other countries.
Finally, in part nine, we arrive at 2023, the most recent chapter in the Brexit saga. Three years after the UK's departure from the EU, the consequences of Brexit were still unfolding. The impact on various sectors, such as Big Tech and agriculture, became more apparent, and discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of the decision persisted.
As the story of Brexit continues to evolve, it remains a topic of great significance and debate. The long-term effects and implications for the UK and its relationship with the EU and the world are still being explored, making it a subject of ongoing analysis and discussion.
Greater detail of these events can be found in the blogs below.
Written in part in collaboration with ChatGPT on June 29, 2023