It’s been over eight months since Theresa May had promised us we would leave the EU. What’s happening now? What even is the EU? This guide/overview will answer all your questions related to Brexit.

How did this all start?

All this chaos was initially brought up by David Cameron in 2011. In the hope of protecting Britain’s economy and financial department, he was the first British prime minister to veto -rejecting an intended act- the EU treaty. From 2011 to 2016, Cameron revaluated his decision along with his party (the Conservatives); he believed that changes in the countries’ operations could be a better alternative than wasting time, money and effort in leaving the European Union. However, this was too late as the referendum was already due to occur on the 23rd June 2016.

The Outcome

On the 24th June, history was made. All the results combined, “Leave” was elected by almost 52% over 48% - 17.4million to 16.1million. Unfortunately, as many thought, the departure was not on that exact day. It was set to happen on the 29th March 2019.  

What’s currently going on?

After David Cameron resigned from the prime minister’s role, Theresa May was chosen to lead her party and execute Brexit. The votes only began the havoc. Since the referendum, endless negotiations have occurred between the UK and several other EU members deciding whether “deal or no deal” (formally known as the Withdrawal Agreement) should come into place.  So what is part of the Withdrawal Agreement? It’s mainly about three important points which are: how much the UK will have to pay for the exit and to “break the partnership” (approximately £39billion), what is going to happen to the British citizens living in the UK and Europe and how to avoid the return of a physical border between the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In addition, the agreement also includes a transition period which allows the UK and the EU to negotiate on a trade deal and helps country and businesses within it to settle in with the new laws and a backstop which forces Britain to keep an open border between Ireland despite whatever happens in the negotiations.

What’s taking so long then? Isn’t it a simple procedure?

Although the Withdrawal Agreement may seem like a perfect route to take to leave the EU, MPs believe not, they had voted against it three times. The first defeat was on the 15th January 2019, the deal got put down with only 202 in favour of it, with more than double, 432 votes, against it. Secondly, when Theresa May met with the EU for another meeting, the deal was rejected once more and on the day of the departure-29th March- MPs for the third time opposed the deal. This is the one and only reason behind the delay. The exit was extended until 31st October, from the 29th March. With loss of hope, Theresa May resigned from prime minister on the 7th June as she no longer wished to “lead the UK in the next stage of Brexit negotiations”. Therefore, previously from the mayor of London, Boris Johnson was elected to run the program. Boris Johnson had decided to alter the deal, in attempt to remove the backstop which was the main reason to why MPs disliked the deal.

What if Brexit occurs without a deal? Can Brexit be cancelled?

Failure in signing the deal will result in no transition periods, immediately removing all of the EU’s current laws, and food and many other products could rise high in prices. Plus, under severe circumstances, a cancellation is available, however very few MPs and politicians want to do that.