May 31st, 2019 | Updated on June 27th, 2022
This easy-to-understand guide to Brexit will tell you many interesting facts about the UK leaving the EU after the Brexit.
1. Before Grexit It Was Grexit
In mid-May 2012, the term Grexit was coined. It was an abbreviation for “Greek exit”. Grexit never happened as Greece had to undergo a near-death experience before its eventual U-turn. Similarly, Brexit is an abbreviation of ‘Britain’ and ‘Exit’.
2. Why Is The UK Leaving The EU?
A referendum was held on 23 June, 2016. Brexit won by 51.9% to 48.1%.
3. Scotland And Northern Don’t Want Brexit
England voted for Brexit, by 53.4% to 46.6%. Wales also voted for Brexit, with Leave getting 52.5% of the vote and Remain 47.5%. Scotland and Northern Ireland both backed staying in the EU. Scotland backed Remain by 62% to 38%, while 55.8% in Northern Ireland voted Remain and 44.2% Leave.
4. What Is The EU?
The European Union – often known as the EU – is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries. It began after World War Two.
5. When Will The UK Leave The EU?
The UK had been due to leave on 29 March 2019, two years after it started the exit process by invoking Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty. But the withdrawal agreement reached between the EU and UK has been rejected three times by UK MPs.
6. But Could Brexit Be Cancelled?
Yes. Stopping Brexit would require a change in the law in the UK, something neither the government nor the main UK opposition parties want to do at this point.
7. Why Do Politicians Want A Deal?
The main point of having a deal between the UK and the EU is to ensure as smooth as possible an exit from the EU for businesses and individuals – and to allow time for the two sides to hammer out a permanent trading relationship.
8. What Would Happen If The UK Left Without A Deal?
The UK would sever all ties with the EU with immediate effect, with no transition period and no guarantees on citizens’ rights of residence
9. What Is The Labour Party’s Position On Brexit?
Labour says it accepts the referendum result and that Brexit is going to happen. But it opposes Theresa May’s Brexit plan, and wants to stop it and force a general election.
10. After Brexit, Will The EU Still USe English?
Yes. There will still be 27 other EU states in the bloc, and others wanting to join in the future, and the common language tends to be English – much to France’s chagrin.
Source: BBC
