What was Brexit?
Brexit was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. After a referendum on 23 June 2016, in which 52 percent of voters chose to leave, the UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020.
The word Brexit combines Britain and exit. The UK had joined the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the EU, in 1973.
Prime Minister David Cameron called the referendum and campaigned to remain. After the result, he resigned, and Theresa May became Prime Minister.
Negotiations and departure
The UK and EU spent years negotiating the terms of withdrawal. Parliament repeatedly rejected Theresa May's deal, and she resigned in 2019. Boris Johnson then became Prime Minister and agreed a revised deal.
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. A transition period followed until 31 December 2020, after which new trading arrangements came into force.
In England and Wales, a majority voted to leave, while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. London voted strongly to remain.
Brexit changed rules on trade, travel, immigration and work between the UK and EU countries. Its effects on the economy and society remain widely debated.