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Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU
(14 days later)
The UK is due to leave the European Union (EU) at 23:00 GMT on 31 October 2019. For those not following every twist and turn, this guide covers the basics.The UK is due to leave the European Union (EU) at 23:00 GMT on 31 October 2019. For those not following every twist and turn, this guide covers the basics.
What is Brexit?What is Brexit?
Brexit - British exit - refers to the UK leaving the EU.Brexit - British exit - refers to the UK leaving the EU.
What is the European Union?What is the European Union?
The EU is an economic and political union involving 28 European countries. It allows free trade and free movement of people to live and work in whichever country they choose.The EU is an economic and political union involving 28 European countries. It allows free trade and free movement of people to live and work in whichever country they choose.
The UK joined in 1973 (when it was known as the European Economic Community). If the UK leaves, it would be the first member state to withdraw from the EU.The UK joined in 1973 (when it was known as the European Economic Community). If the UK leaves, it would be the first member state to withdraw from the EU.
Why is the UK leaving?Why is the UK leaving?
A public vote - or referendum - was held on Thursday 23 June 2016, to decide whether the UK should leave or remain.A public vote - or referendum - was held on Thursday 23 June 2016, to decide whether the UK should leave or remain.
Leave won by 52% to 48%. The referendum turnout was very high at 72%, with more than 30 million people voting - 17.4 million people opting for Brexit.Leave won by 52% to 48%. The referendum turnout was very high at 72%, with more than 30 million people voting - 17.4 million people opting for Brexit.
Why hasn't Brexit happened yet?Why hasn't Brexit happened yet?
Brexit was originally due to happen on 29 March 2019. That was two years after then Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 - the formal process to leave - and kicked off negotiations. But the Brexit date has been delayed twice.Brexit was originally due to happen on 29 March 2019. That was two years after then Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 - the formal process to leave - and kicked off negotiations. But the Brexit date has been delayed twice.
A deal was agreed in November 2018, but MPs rejected it three times.A deal was agreed in November 2018, but MPs rejected it three times.
What is the Brexit deal? Why did Parliament reject Theresa May's Brexit deal?
The deal consisted of a withdrawal agreement - which set out the terms for the "divorce" process. There was also a political declaration - which outlined the future relationship between the UK and EU. The main sticking point for many Conservative MPs and the DUP (the government's ally in Parliament) was the backstop.
The withdrawal agreement covered a range of things including: This was designed to ensure there would be no border posts or barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit.
Why did Parliament reject the Brexit deal? If it was needed, the backstop would keep the UK in a close trading relationship with the EU and avoid checks altogether.
The main sticking point for many Conservative and DUP MPs was the backstop.
Currently, there are no border posts or physical barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The backstop is designed to ensure that continues after the UK leaves the EU.
The backstop would only be needed if a permanent solution to avoid border checks could not be found. If it was needed, the backstop would keep the UK in a close trading relationship with the EU to avoid checks altogether.
But many MPs were critical. They said if the backstop was used, the UK could be trapped in it for years. This would leave the UK stuck in the EU's customs union, preventing the country from striking trade deals with other countries.But many MPs were critical. They said if the backstop was used, the UK could be trapped in it for years. This would leave the UK stuck in the EU's customs union, preventing the country from striking trade deals with other countries.
Their opposition eventually led to Theresa May's resignation. Their opposition eventually led to Theresa May's resignation. Boris Johnson took over as PM in July 2019.
What deal does Boris Johnson want? On 17 October, Mr Johnson announced that a revised deal had been agreed between the UK and the EU.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who took over from Mrs May, says the EU must remove the backstop from the deal. What is the new Brexit deal?
Under his plan, Northern Ireland would stay in the European single market for goods but leave the customs union. This would mean new customs checks, most of which, Mr Johnson insists, could be done electronically and away from the border. The new deal replaces the backstop with new customs arrangements.
The EU is considering the plan, but has previously rejected a technology-led approach to custom declarations. Under the plan, the whole of the UK will leave the customs union. At this point, the UK will be free to sign and implement its own trade agreements with countries around the world.
If the plan is rejected, Mr Johnson says the UK will leave on 31 October anyway. But Northern Ireland will also remain an entry point into the EU's customs zone.
What are the customs union and the single market? The UK will not apply tariffs to products entering Northern Ireland, as long as they are not destined to be sent across the border into the Republic of Ireland.
The customs union ensures that all EU countries charge the same taxes on goods coming in from outside. They do not charge taxes on each other's goods. But members cannot strike their own trade deals. Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU regulations for agrifood and industrial goods.
The single market enables goods, services, people and money to move freely between all EU member states. Most rules and standards are the same - that means goods don't need to be checked when they move around. It also means EU citizens can live and work in different EU countries. After four years, the Northern Ireland Assembly will have the opportunity to vote on whether Northern Ireland should continue the arrangement.
Much of the Brexit deal remains largely unchanged from the one negotiated by Theresa May. Known as the withdrawal agreement, it includes:
The withdrawal agreement sets out terms for the "divorce" process.
There have also been changes to the political declaration, which sets out plans for the long-term relationship between the UK and the EU. It says the future relationship will be based on a free trade agreement, but there's no guarantee one can be agreed by the end of 2020.
Will the DUP accept the new deal?
The DUP has been in an agreement with the Conservative Party since the 2017 election. In the past, this gave the government a working majority.
However, the DUP says it won't back the new deal because it does not get a veto. It's worried that if Northern Ireland sticks to some EU rules, the union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be undermined.
Without the DUP's support, it could be very hard for the government to get enough MPs to get the new deal through Parliament.
What happens next with Brexit?What happens next with Brexit?
The UK government says it is focused on getting a new deal agreed at an EU summit on 17 October. MPs will vote on the revised deal at a special Saturday sitting in Parliament on 19 October.
If the sides fail to reach a deal, Mr Johnson could be forced to seek a third Brexit extension. It is possible that MPs may amend the government's motion that asks for the deal to be approved. This could potentially delay Brexit, even if the deal itself is passed.
That's because MPs have passed a law - known as the Benn Act - that requires Mr Johnson to ask for a Brexit delay by 19 October. This will push the deadline back from 31 October, to 31 January 2020. Assuming MPs approve the deal, Parliament will still have to pass a withdrawal agreement bill. The is the piece of legislation which will incorporate the Brexit deal into UK law.
But if MPs fail to approve the deal, Mr Johnson could be forced to seek a third Brexit extension.
That's because MPs have passed a law - known as the Benn Act - that requires Mr Johnson to ask for a Brexit delay if Parliament fails to sign off a deal. This will push the deadline back from 31 October, to 31 January 2020.
MPs say the law is necessary in order to prevent a no-deal Brexit.MPs say the law is necessary in order to prevent a no-deal Brexit.
The PM will not have to write a letter if MPs approve a Brexit deal, or vote in favour of leaving with no deal.
Mr Johnson still insists the UK will leave at the end of October. It is unclear how this will happen if the law does require him to ask for an extension.Mr Johnson still insists the UK will leave at the end of October. It is unclear how this will happen if the law does require him to ask for an extension.
What about an early election?What about an early election?
After MPs voted in favour of extending the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson tried to call an early election.After MPs voted in favour of extending the Brexit deadline, Mr Johnson tried to call an early election.
But not enough MPs supported the PM. To trigger an early election at least two-thirds must back the idea.But not enough MPs supported the PM. To trigger an early election at least two-thirds must back the idea.
Opposition MPs say won't back an election - or call for a vote of no confidence in the PM - until the law aimed at blocking a no-deal Brexit is implemented. Opposition MPs say they won't back an election - or call for a vote of no confidence in the PM - until the law aimed at blocking a no-deal Brexit is implemented.
Will a no-deal Brexit cause disruption?Will a no-deal Brexit cause disruption?
If the UK leaves the customs union and single market on 31 October, then the EU will start carrying out checks on British goods. This could lead to delays at ports, such as Dover. Some fear that this could lead to traffic bottlenecks, disrupting supply routes and damaging the economy.If the UK leaves the customs union and single market on 31 October, then the EU will start carrying out checks on British goods. This could lead to delays at ports, such as Dover. Some fear that this could lead to traffic bottlenecks, disrupting supply routes and damaging the economy.
If the pound falls sharply in response to no deal and there are significant delays at ports, like Dover, it could affect the price and availability of some foods. There are also concerns over potential shortages of medicines.If the pound falls sharply in response to no deal and there are significant delays at ports, like Dover, it could affect the price and availability of some foods. There are also concerns over potential shortages of medicines.
Mr Johnson has tried to calm such fears by announcing an extra £2.1bn of funding to prepare for a possible no-deal outcome.Mr Johnson has tried to calm such fears by announcing an extra £2.1bn of funding to prepare for a possible no-deal outcome.
Many Brexit supporters say it is hard to accurately predict what will happen or believe any economic disruption will be short-term and minor.Many Brexit supporters say it is hard to accurately predict what will happen or believe any economic disruption will be short-term and minor.
But most economists and business groups believe no deal would lead to economic harm.But most economists and business groups believe no deal would lead to economic harm.
For example, the Office for Budget Responsibility - which provides independent analysis of the UK's public finances - believes a no-deal Brexit would cause a UK recession.For example, the Office for Budget Responsibility - which provides independent analysis of the UK's public finances - believes a no-deal Brexit would cause a UK recession.