explainity explains: Brexit – part 2


Just to refresh your memory: In June 2016, the British decided by referendum to leave the EU.

Three years and three prime ministers later, Brexit has still not completely taken place. In our first video about Brexit, you learned about what had happened up until the end of October.

 

And on and on it went. So, set the stage for Act 4. 

 

The date is 29th October 2019. Boris Johnson is still the British Prime Minister and he still intends on a swift, successful Brexit by 31stJanuary 2020. But for his Brexit bill to pass, he needs more than a 50% majority vote from the House of Commons. 

 

To get it, Johnson again suggests early Parliamentary elections. By doing so, he hopes to find more backing for his plans from the House of Commons.

What had been rejected several times before, by Members of Parliament, now received approval for the first time, from a required two-thirds majority. So, the people would indeed be electing a new parliament.

 



After the general election on 12th December, Boris Johnson and his Conservative Tory-Party obtain a clear win. With a majority in the House of Commons, nothing stands in the way of a new vote on Johnson’s slightly adjusted withdrawal agreement. 

One week later, Members of Parliament approve – with an absolute majority – the Brexit bill.

 

On 9th January 2020, the House of Commons once again confirms its decision. The British House of Lords, the Queen, as well as the heads of the EU then giving their OK for Brexit. 

 

And so, on 31st January 2020, the United Kingdom left the EU! 

 

Now negotiations for the withdrawal can finally pick up some speed. During a transition period until the end of 2020, various framework conditions between the British and the EU are to be negotiated. Until then, everything is expected to remain the same. For example, EU citizens will keep their rights to live and work and trade relations between EU countries and the United Kingdom will also stay the same for the time being.

However, since the 1st February, the British no longer have a say in EU committees.

 

There are no plans to extend the transition period according to the current withdrawal agreement. If those in charge are unable to agree, a “No-Deal Brexit” is definitely still on the table.