What is Brexit?
Brexit is short for Britain Exit. This term refers to the plan that provides for the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU).
The decision on the UK’s exit from the European economic bloc was made after a popular referendum on 23 June 2016. With 51.9 percent of the votes, most Britons opted for Brexit against 48.1% that supported the state’s permanence in the European Union.
Most voters in England and Wales voted in favor of leaving the UK, while most of the citizens of Scotland and Northern Ireland expressed their wish to remain in the EU.
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The main discourse of Brexit advocates is the idea of traditional nationalism, backed by anti-migration ideals.
Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon has been invoked for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, which provides that any EU Member State is free to leave the economic bloc voluntarily and unilaterally. It is also determined that the maximum deadline for exit negotiations is two years if there is no unanimous decision to extend this time.
With Brexit, the United Kingdom enters history as the first Member State to leave the European Union.
However, in the future, if it decides to rejoin the EU, the UK should make a new application for membership of the European Council. After deliberation and unanimous vote of the Parliament, the State can re-enter the economic bloc.