Did The Brexit Referendum Change Anything?
What did they achieve? Let’s find out
The Brexit referendum held in 2016 in the United Kingdom significantly impacted the country and its relationship with the European Union (EU). The main question in the referendum was whether the UK should remain in the EU or leave. Most voters chose to leave a decision commonly called “Brexit.”
One immediate effect of the Brexit referendum was the resignation of then-Prime Minister David Cameron who campaigned for the United Kingdom to remain in the EU. Theresa May succeeded him as the leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister.
Following the referendum a period of negotiation and uncertainty began as the UK and the EU worked on the terms of the separation. The process involved discussions on trade immigration and other key issues. The negotiations led to drafting of the Withdrawal Agreement outlining the terms of the UK’s departure.
On January 31 2020 the United Kingdom discontinued to remain with the EU marking a historic moment. However a transition period was agreed upon to allow both sides to adapt to the changes. The transition ended on December 31 2020 and the UK fully severed its ties with the EU.
Brexit brought about various changes affecting trade travel and regulations. New trade agreements had to be established and customs procedures were implemented. Shipping between the EU and the UK had faced disruptions impacting businesses and industries.
Regarding immigration the UK introduced a new points-based system to control the flow of people entering the country. The independency of movement between the EU and the UK ended and citizens from the EU were subject to the same immigration rules as those from other parts of the world.
Brexit also prompted discussions about the future of the United Kingdom with Scotland expressing renewed interest in independence. The Scottish National Party advocated for a second independence referendum arguing that most Scots voted to remain in the EU and that their interests were not aligned with the UK’s decision to leave.
Finally the Brexit referendum resulted in significant changes for the United Kingdom impacting its political landscape trade relationships and immigration policies. The full consequences of Brexit continue to unfold as the country adjusts to its new status outside the European Union.
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