Events leading up to brexit History Timeline and Biographies

First Referendum on EU Membership

The UK held its first referendum on membership in the European Economic Community (EEC) on June 5, 1975. The public voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EEC, with approximately 67% in favor, marking a significant moment in the UK's relationship with Europe that would echo in later Events leading up to brexit.

Maastricht Treaty Signed

The Maastricht Treaty was signed in November 1991 and came into effect in November 1993. It established the European Union and paved the way for the euro. This treaty intensified debates about sovereignty and integration, foreshadowing future Events leading up to brexit as concerns grew over EU power and influence.

Failed EU Constitution Referendum in France and Netherlands

In 2005, France and the Netherlands rejected the proposed EU Constitution in referendums. The failure of the constitution heightened skepticism about the EU and fueled Eurosceptic sentiments in the UK, contributing to the Events leading up to brexit by raising questions about the future of EU governance.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government came to power in May 2010. Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold a referendum on EU membership if he won a majority, setting the stage for the Events leading up to brexit by addressing growing public discontent with the EU.

In January 2013, Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech at Bloomberg's London offices, proposing a renegotiation of the UK's relationship with the EU and pledging to hold an in-out referendum by 2017. This speech marked a pivotal moment in the Events leading up to brexit, as it formalized the debate on EU membership within the UK.

The Scottish independence referendum held in September 2014 resulted in a "No" vote, but it raised questions about national identity and governance. The discussions surrounding this referendum contributed to the broader discourse on sovereignty and independence that influenced the Events leading up to brexit.

In May 2015, the Conservative Party won a majority in the general election, allowing David Cameron to fulfill his promise of an EU referendum. This electoral victory was a key development in the Events leading up to brexit, as it enabled the government to move forward with plans for a referendum on EU membership.

The official campaign for the EU referendum began in early 2016. The "Leave" campaign, advocating for Brexit, gained momentum, emphasizing themes of sovereignty, immigration, and economic independence, significantly influencing public opinion in the Events leading up to brexit.

On June 23, 2016, the UK held the referendum on EU membership. The result was 52% in favor of leaving the EU, marking a historic turning point in the Events leading up to brexit and setting off a chain of political and economic consequences for the UK and Europe.

Following the Brexit vote, Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation, effective October 2016. His departure was a significant moment in the Events leading up to brexit, as it led to the appointment of Theresa May as Prime Minister, who would navigate the complexities of the Brexit negotiations.

On March 29, 2017, the UK government formally triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, initiating the process for the UK to exit the EU. This was a crucial step in the Events leading up to brexit, as it set a two-year timeline for negotiations.

The first round of negotiations between the UK and the EU began in June 2017 and continued into 2018. Key issues included citizens' rights, the financial settlement, and the Irish border, highlighting the complexities of the Events leading up to brexit.

The original Brexit deadline of March 29, 2019, was extended multiple times due to ongoing negotiations and political deadlock. This period was marked by intense debate and division within the UK, reflecting the ongoing significance of the Events leading up to brexit.

On January 31, 2020, the UK officially left the European Union, marking the culmination of the Events leading up to brexit. This momentous decision reshaped the political and economic landscape of the UK and its relationship with Europe.

The transition period following Brexit ended on December 31, 2020, leading to the full implementation of new trade and immigration rules. This transition marked the final phase of the Events leading up to brexit, as the UK began to navigate its new status outside the EU.