A quick summary of the Brexit deal signed over Christmas
It’s been four years since the United Kingdom’s shock vote to leave the European Union. Called Brexit, the referendum meant the United Kingdom had to redesign border ties and trade deals with much of the rest of Europe. Here’s the simple breakdown.
What was Brexit again?
In 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) held a referendum to decide whether or not to leave the European Union (EU). Those who wanted to remain argued more relaxed borders and free trade were good for all. Those who wanted to leave said EU membership led to unfair regulations from mainland Europe and fewer jobs for Brits.
What’s the EU?
Essentially, it’s a European governing body. 27 countries are part of it, and its European Parliament makes policies that cover all member nations.
Those within the EU can move and work between member countries without visas, and there are very few trade barriers between the countries.
Why couldn’t the UK and the EU agree to a deal before?
For a while, the big issue was how to deal with the border between Ireland (part of the EU) and Northern Ireland (part of the UK). Former British Prime Minister Theresa May lost her job over negotiation efforts, and was replaced by Boris Johnson - who quickly won an election and started trying again for a deal.
What’s in the deal?
Most importantly, there are no new trade barriers for goods moving between the UK and the EU. That means consumers won’t suddenly find supermarket food more expensive from tomorrow. EU law will stop applying to the UK, and European arrivals to the UK will face more border checks and customs rules.