Implications of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) Flashcards
What does ‘Brexit’ stand for?
Britain’s Exit (from the EU)
When was the Brexit referendum held?
23rd June 2016
What was the referendum question?
Should the UK remain in or leave the EU?
What % voted to leave the EU?
51.9%
What % voted to remain in the EU?
48.1%
What was the voter turnout?
72.2%
How many people turned out to vote?
Over 30 million
Why was the turnout of the Brexit referendum significant?
Highest since the 1992 general election
Which age group mostly voted Remain?
18-34 year olds
Which age group mostly voted Leave?
45+ year olds
Why did some say the result was unfair?
Younger people, who’d live with the result longest, mainly voted Remain
How did Scotland vote in the referendum?
62% Remain, 38% Leave
What did Nicola Sturgeon say on 24th June 2016?
Scotland sees its future in the EU
What did the Scottish Government announce after the result?
Plans for a possible second independence referendum
When did the UK officially leave the EU?
January 2020
How has the UK economy performed since 2016?
Poorly – weak pound, high inflation, falling real wages
What are some factors that have also impacted the economy?
Covid-19 and the Ukraine war
How does UK growth compare to other countries post-Brexit?
One of the lowest rates of growth
What did the IMF predict for the UK in 2023?
Dismal economic growth
What is one cost saved by leaving the EU?
No longer contributes to the EU budget
How much was the EU allowed to borrow for Covid recovery?
Up to €750 billion (2021–24)
Why is leaving the EU budget seen as beneficial?
UK can direct spending to domestic needs
Give an example of redirected UK spending post-Brexit.
NHS spending projected to be £57 billion higher by 2024–25
How much more per week is now spent on the NHS?
Over £1 billion more per week
What trade freedom did Brexit give the UK?
Can sign its own trade deals with non-EU countries
Why couldn’t the UK sign its own trade deals before?
EU law made it an EU-only responsibility
Why is trade independence a benefit for the UK?
Can boost trade and attract investment
Give an example of a post-Brexit trade deal.
UK-Australia trade deal (2023)
How much will the UK-Australia deal grow the economy?
Only 0.02% over 15 years.
What is a major economic disadvantage of Brexit?
Record high labour shortages
What caused labour shortages?
End of free movement and new points-based immigration
What jobs are most affected by labour shortages?
Transport, retail, manufacturing, construction, food
What is the size of the workforce shortfall post-Brexit?
330,000 people
What are the effects of labour shortages?
Higher wages, rising prices, weak growth, inflation
What is the EU customs union?
A system with no tariffs internally and shared external tariffs
Why is leaving the customs union a disadvantage?
UK lost free trade and negotiating power
What has Brexit done to UK exports?
Increased costs and reduced demand in EU
What have companies done due to trade barriers?
Downsized or moved to the EU
What is the estimated hit to UK output post-Brexit?
4% reduction over 15 years
What is the long-term effect on UK trade?
Exports and imports projected to be 15% lower
What is a political advantage of Brexit for UK democracy?
UK now has full control over its own laws and decisions
What problem did the UK face with EU decision-making?
UK had to accept EU decisions even if British MEPs opposed them.
Why is full UK control over laws seen as beneficial?
It improves accountability and ensures laws suit UK needs
How can Brexit improve democratic participation?
Political decentralisation may increase voter engagement and minority representation
What is happening to retained EU laws?
All expired (sunset) on 31st December 2023
What does ‘sunsetting’ EU laws allow the UK to do?
Create tailor-made regulations for the British people.
What is a political benefit of the UK’s independent sanctions policy?
More agility in imposing sanctions and protecting UK interests
Who used to control UK sanctions while in the EU?
Decision-makers in Brussels
What can the UK now better protect through sanctions policy?
Security, defence, and protection from threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks
What is an example of the UK’s new sanctions policy in action?
UK was first in Europe to sanction Belarus; sanctioned 160 individuals/entities in one year
What is a political disadvantage of Brexit for global influence?
The UK has less political influence internationally
Why has UK influence declined after Brexit?
No longer part of the EU – the world’s biggest trading bloc
What did the UK lose by leaving the EU’s foreign policy discussions?
A powerful voice and its “seat at the table”
What impact does reduced political influence have on the UK?
UK interests may be ignored in global decisions
Why is reduced influence bad for the UK economy?
UK may become a less attractive trade partner
How has Brexit affected the British Union?
It has weakened unity and caused internal political conflict
What created tension between the UK and devolved governments?
Brexit decisions were made without full devolved input or consent
What are the consequences of weakened union relations?
Instability, stalled institutions, and distracted focus from key issues
What has the Scottish Government done in response to Brexit?
Announced plans for a second independence referendum
What is Northern Ireland’s political status post-Brexit?
Stuck in limbo with no functioning regional government
How has Wales responded to Brexit?
Anger over loss of EU structural funds
What has Brexit uncertainty done to the economy?
Stifled growth and reduced investment due to instability
What is a social advantage of Brexit regarding immigration?
UK now has more control over immigration policy
What does control over borders allow the UK to do?
Tailor immigration rules to suit national needs and priorities
Why is this beneficial for the economy and society?
UK can prioritise skilled workers who benefit the country
What concerns can tailored immigration address?
Job competition, public service strain, and cultural integration
How can Brexit benefit the domestic workforce?
It encourages investment in education, training, and skills
What new system was introduced in September 2021?
The Points-Based Immigration System
What does the Points-Based System prioritise?
Skills and qualifications of foreign workers
What is a social disadvantage of Brexit for mobility?
Restricted opportunities for UK and EU citizens to work and travel
What did EU membership allow UK citizens to do?
Work, live, and travel freely across Europe without visas
What has replaced free movement post-Brexit?
Work visa requirements and more paperwork
Why is this disadvantageous for cultural exchange?
Limits exposure to different cultures and professional environments
How does reduced mobility impact learning?
Fewer opportunities to study and train in European universities
What was net migration of EU nationals in 2022?
Negative 51,000 – a drop of 63,000 from 2021
How has Brexit impacted the NHS workforce?
It made the UK less attractive for EU healthcare workers
What consequence has Brexit had on NHS staffing?
Contributed to a staffing crisis and talent shortages
What effect does NHS understaffing have on patients?
More cancelled operations and longer waiting times.
How many European doctors chose not to work in the NHS due to Brexit?
Over 4,000 EU doctors
