Leaving the European Union

What does triggering Article 50 mean and how does the UK leave the European Union? Read research and analysis from Parliament's libraries and committees on the process of leaving the EU.

Extending Article 50
European Parliament elections
Process of leaving the EU
No-deal Brexit
Future relationship with the EU
Government
Further reading

Extending Article 50

What does the latest Brexit delay mean for the UK and EU?
Commons Library Insight, 31 October 2019
Discusses how the decision to extend Article 50 was reached, what was agreed, and implications for the UK's ongoing EU membership

Parliament and the three extensions of Article 50
Commons Library research briefing, 31 October 2019
Explains the legal and political background to the three extensions to Article 50 and Parliament's role in seeking and agreeing to extensions

Brexit delayed again: until 31 October 2019?
Commons Library research briefing, 17 April 2019
Examines the implications of extending Article 50 and the potential impact on decisions taken within the EU over the next few months

Are we preparing for European Parliamentary elections?
Commons Library Insight, 9 April 2019
Examines why the Government decided to trigger the process for European Parliament elections on 23 May and what it means for Brexit

European elections and a longer extension to Article 50
Commons Library Insight, 3 April 2019
European elections are due to take place on 23–26 May. Could the UK avoid taking part if Article 50 is extended beyond 22 May?

EU 'exit day' is changed in UK law
Commons Library Insight, 28 March 2019
What happened in the Commons and the Lords when Parliament voted to change 'exit day' in UK law and how does this affect Brexit?

Extending Article 50: European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (Exit Day) (Amendment) Regulations 2019
Lords Library research briefing, 26 March 2019
Background information about the statutory instrument to change the date of 'exit day' in domestic law

The EU agrees to delay Brexit – but for how long?
Commons Library Insight, 25 March 2019
Examines the terms of the extension to Article 50 that the EU agreed upon and what it means for the UK and Brexit

Brexit delayed: European Council Conclusions on extending Article 50
Commons Library research briefing, 22 March 2019
Overview of what EU leaders agreed upon on 21 March in regard to the extension of Article 50

Extending the Article 50 period: FAQs
Commons Library Insight, 21 March 2019
For how long has the UK requested an extension to Article 50? When will the EU respond? What happens next?

Extending Article 50: could Brexit be delayed?
Commons Library research briefing, updated 21 March 2019
Under what scenarios could an Article 50 extension be agreed? Could this lead to the UK taking part in European Parliament elections?

What is "exit day"? Dispelling misconceptions about the extension of Article 50
Commons Library Insight, 19 March 2019
Clarifies the role of domestic law in extending Article 50 and examines issues relating to "exit day"

Extending Article 50 and European Parliament elections
Commons Library Insight, 19 February 2019
Examines how any potential extension to Article 50 could be requested and how it might affect the European Parliament elections in May

European Parliament elections

European Parliament elections 2019: results and analysis
Commons Library research briefing, 21 June 2019
Analyses the results of the 2019 European Parliament elections, focusing on both the UK and EU-wide results

Process of leaving the EU

Brexit next steps: The transition period
Commons Library research briefing, 31 January 2020
This Insight explains what changes when the Withdrawal Agreement comes into force, and what remains the same.

Brexit timeline: events leading to the UK’s exit from the European Union
Commons Library research briefing, 24 January 2020
Provides a timeline of the major events leading up to the EU referendum and subsequent dates of note, looking ahead to expected events as the UK and EU negotiate the UK's exit.

Brexit next steps: Ratifying the EU Withdrawal Agreement
Commons Library Insight, 23 January 2020
Gives an overview of the steps needed to ensure ratification takes place by 31 January 2020.

The new EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill: What’s changed?
Commons Library Insight, 19 December 2019
Sets out some of the key differences between this new Withdrawal Bill and an earlier Bill introduced in October 2019

Brexit scenarios: What could happen after the European Council meeting?
Commons Library Insight, 14 October 2019
Sets out the different scenarios that could unfold following the European Council's last meeting before the scheduled Brexit date

Brexit timeline: events leading to the UK's exit from the EU
Commons Library research briefing, updated 30 October 2019
Timeline of the major events leading up to the EU referendum and subsequent dates of note, looking ahead to expected events

UK's Withdrawal from the European Union
Lords Library research briefing, 19 October 2019
Overview of issues relating to the revised withdrawal agreement, ahead of the Lords debate on 19 October 2019

UK's Withdrawal from the European Union
Lords Library research briefing, 27 September 2019
Summarises key Brexit-related events since June 2016, outlines the positions of the main political parties, and provides further reading

PM says UK will not nominate an EU Commissioner – how might the EU respond?
Common Library Insight, 26 July 2019
How might the EU respond to the new Prime Ministers' refusal to nominate a UK candidate for EU Commissioner?

E-petitions relating to leaving the European Union
Commons Library research briefing, 28 March 2019
Info for the debate on petitions calling for (1) a second referendum, (2) revoking Article 50 and (3) honouring the result of the referendum

E-petition relating to leaving the European Union
Commons Library research briefing, 7 March 2019
Overview of the petition calling for Article 50 to be revoked if there is no Brexit plan by 25 February 2019

E-petition relating to leaving the European Union
Commons Library research briefing, 31 January 2019
Overview of the petition against revoking or suspending Article 50, which will be debated in Westminster Hall on 4 February 2019

The 'Malthouse Compromise': What is 'Plan C'?
Commons Library Insight, 29 January 2019
Explains what 'Plan C' is and examines if it could work in practice as a 'new' Brexit proposal

Response to the vote on the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration: Assessing the Options
Exiting the European Union Committee report, 28 January 2019
Urges the Government to rule out no-deal Brexit and allow Parliament to vote on extending Article 50 if no agreement can be reached

E-petitions relating to leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement, holding a further referendum on leaving the EU and not leaving the EU
Commons Library research briefing, 10 January 2019
Information about the petitions along with a summary of the issues raised and relevant material ahead of the debate on 14 January 2019

Could the Withdrawal Agreement be terminated under international law?
Commons Library research briefing, updated 19 March 2019
Could the UK terminate the Withdrawal Agreement if the Irish backstop, which is intended to be temporary, became permanent?

A second Brexit referendum? The rules explained
Commons Library Insight, 19 December 2018
Sets out what would be required for a second referendum to be held and how quickly this can be done

The "meaningful vote" deferred: What now?
Commons Library Insight, 13 December 2018
Overview of where we are now in terms of the approval process since the Prime Minister delayed the Commons vote on the Brexit deal

Brexit: Article 50 TEU at the CJEU
Commons Library research briefing, 10 December 2018
Considers the Advocate General's opinion on whether Article 50 can be revoked and what implications the CJEU's judgment has for the UK

E-petition relating to leaving the European Union
Commons Library research briefing, 15 November 2018
Contains information about the petition relating to Brexit along with a summary of issues it raises and links to relevant material

Case for a referendum on the outcome of EU withdrawal negotiations
Lords Library research briefing, 19 October 2018
Outlines arguments for a second referendum, the positions of political parties, and legal requirements and practical considerations

Brexit Unknowns (update)
Commons Library research briefing, 26 September 2018
What do we still not know about the Brexit process or the withdrawal agreement with the EU that is currently being negotiated?

E-petition relating to rescinding Article 50 if the Vote Leave campaign broke electoral laws
Commons Library research briefing, 7 September 2018
Overview of the regulatory framework for referendums and the Article 50 process ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on 10 September 2018

Brexit
Commons Library research briefing, 15 May 2018
Overview of the current situation regarding Brexit negotiations and the EU withdrawal bill ahead of the Opposition Day debate on 16 May 2018

General debate on European Affairs
Commons Library research briefing, 12 March 2018
Overview of leaving the EU, the transition period, negotiating a withdrawal agreement and options if no agreement is made

Exiting the European Union
Public Accounts Committee report, 7 February 2018
Report says Government departments must prioritise for Brexit and urges greater transparency on responsibilities, progress and costs

E-petitions relating to a referendum on Brexit deal
Commons Library research briefing, 6 December 2017
Looks at the public petitions calling for a referendum on the Brexit deal negotiated by the UK and the EU

Brexit: an overview
Commons Library Insight, 23 June 2017
Examines the process of leaving the EU, the initial negotiating positions, and what 'no deal' would mean for the UK

Debate on the Address: Brexit and Foreign Affairs
Commons Library research briefing, 23 June 2017
Looks at what's in store for the Brexit negotiations, finalising the withdrawal agreement, and bills introduced to replace EU laws

Queen's Speech 2017 Day 4: Exiting the European Union
Lords Library research briefing, 19 June 2017
Overview of the Government approach to Brexit, the negotiating process, financial settlement, Parliamentary vote and the Repeal Bill

Brexit: what happens now?
Commons Library Insight, 29 March 2017
What will happen once the Prime Minister formally notifies the European Council of the UK's intention to withdraw from the EU?

Brexit: how does the Article 50 process work?
Commons Library research briefing, 16 January 2017
Outlines the process of withdrawing from the EU under Article 50 and early developments after the referendum

The process for exiting the EU and negotiating objectives
Exiting the European Union Committee report, 14 January 2017
Calls for transitional arrangements on trade, no return to tariffs for UK businesses and parliamentary vote on final deal

Brexit: impact across policy areas
Commons Library research briefing, 26 August 2016
Looks at the current situation in a range of policy areas and considers what impact Brexit might have

No-deal Brexit

Planning for a no-deal Brexit
Commons Library research briefing, 5 November 2019
Examines UK and EU preparations for a no-deal Brexit, and looks at recent reports analysing the possible impact of this outcome

A no-deal Brexit: the Johnson government
Commons Library research briefing, 6 September 2019
Considers the situation since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, concerning the possibility of a no-deal Brexit

EU preparations for a no-deal Brexit
Commons Library research briefing, updated 30 July 2019
Looks at the EU's no-deal preparedness plan and some of the EU27 measures in case the UK leaves without a withdrawal agreement

What if there's no Brexit deal?
Commons Library research briefing, updated 8 February 2019
What could happen if the EU and UK negotiators don't agree a withdrawal agreement in time?

Brexit: What would 'no deal' look like?
Commons Library Insight, 10 September 2018
Looks at a few important areas that would be affected if the UK left the EU without a withdrawal agreement

Future relationship with the EU

Brexit next steps: Replacing the UK’s MEPs
Commons Library Insight, 30 January 2020
Explains the background of reallocation of MEP seats, and its impact on the relative strength of political groups within the European Parliament.

Revisions to the Political Declaration on the framework for future EU-UK relations
Commons Library research briefing, 18 October 2019
Outlines the contents and key changes of the revised Political Declaration that was agreed by the UK and EU in October 2019

UK-EU relations after Brexit: an Association Agreement?
Commons Library research briefing, 13 August 2019
Looks at the scope and contents of some existing Association Agreements, with a view of the UK's future relationship with the EU

After Brexit: an Association Agreement with the EU?
Commons Library Insight, 17 July 2019
Overview of Association Agreements, which may form the basis of the future UK–EU relationship, and how long it takes to put one into place

EU 'top job' appointments and nominations
Commons Library Insight, 5 July 2019
Who are the new appointees and nominees for the top jobs in EU institutions and what will it mean for Brexit?

The EU27: Internal politics and views on Brexit
Commons Library research briefing, updated 2 May 2019
Examines the views of the EU member states on Brexit and provides background on their internal politics and trade and economic statistics

Brexit: Proposals for the future UK–EU relationship
Commons Library research briefing, updated 18 April 2019
What are the options being proposed in the House of Commons for the future UK–EU relationship?

Beyond Brexit: how to win friends and influence people
European Union Committee report, 25 March 2019
Finds that the UK will need to increase its presence in Brussels after Brexit to ensure an effective relationship with the EU

What are the 'other' Brexit options?
Commons Library Insight, 28 January 2019
Looks at potential options for the UK in negotiating its future relationship with the EU

The Political Declaration on the Framework for Future EU–UK Relations
Commons Library research briefing, 30 November 2018
Looks at the political declaration that was agreed by EU leaders on 25 November 2018

Brexit and governance of the UK–EU relationship
Commons Library research briefing, 14 September 2018
How are relations between the UK and the EU governed at the moment and what will happen after Brexit?

The Brexit White Paper on future relations and alternative proposals
Commons Library research briefing, 28 August 2018
Examines proposals for the future relationship in the Government's White Paper and the alternative by the Department for Exiting the EU

The future relationship between the UK and the EU
Commons Library research briefing, 17 July 2018
What will the future relationship between the UK and the EU look like? What could a possible Association Agreement contain?

UK–EU relations after Brexit
European Union Committee report, 8 June 2018
Identifies the high-level benefits that could derive from a new UK–EU relationship and the associated compromises

Brexit: new guidelines on the framework for future EU–UK relations
Commons Library research briefing, 19 April 2018
Looks at how the EU and the UK envisage their relationship after Brexit as the third phase of negotiations begins

The future UK–EU relationship
Exiting the European Union Committee report, 4 April 2018
Sets out keys tests by which any deal agreed by October 2018 must be judged

Position papers on the UK's future relationship with the EU
Lords Library research briefing, 7 September 2017
Overview of position papers, future partnership papers and technical notes published by the Government on Brexit negotiations

EU agencies and post-Brexit options
Commons Library research briefing, 28 April 2017
Examines the role of EU agencies, issues surrounding two UK-based agencies and options for continued UK participation after Brexit

Leaving the European Union: Future UK–EU relationship
Lords Library research briefing, 25 November 2016
Outlines potential options for the UK's future relationship with the EU following the referendum vote

Government

Central government

Brexit Consultancy Costs
Public Accounts Committee report, 12 September 2019
Says there has been excessive secrecy over the use of consultants by government, with confusion over how much is actually spent

Civil Contingencies, Emergency Powers and No-Deal Brexit
Lords Library research briefing, 19 March 2019
Summary of the emergency powers available to the Government in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 in the event of no-deal Brexit

Publishing Government Legal Advice
Lords Library research briefing, updated 6 December 2018
Discusses demands for the government to publish the legal advice that it has been given in regards to Brexit

Defra's progress towards Brexit
Public Accounts Committee report, 14 November 2018
Warns that Defra faces enormous challenges in the lead-up to EU exit and still does not know which scenario it is preparing for

Public bodies
Commons Library research briefing, 8 August 2018
Overview of public bodies and the powers provided to Ministers to establish new authorities to carry out functions of EU agencies

Exiting the EU: Defra and Department for International Trade
Public Accounts Committee report, 4 May 2018
Says preparations for Brexit are being hampered by uncertainty over UK's future relationship with the EU

Brexit: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Public Accounts Committee report, 25 April 2018
Expresses alarm that the Department has made virtually no attempt to re-order its priorities considering the scale of the Brexit task it faces

Devolved government

Brexit and the Northern Ireland border
Commons Library Insight, 14 January 2020
Looks into the Brexit negotiations under the recent Governments on how to keep an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland

How will Brexit affect the Union?
Commons Library Insight, 18 December 2019
Looks at the challenges and implications Brexit will bring to the current devolution settlements

Withdrawal Agreement Bill: Implications for devolved institutions
Commons Library Insight, 23 October 2019
Looks at the implications of the Bill for the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly

Withdrawal Agreement Bill: The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland
Commons Library research briefing, 23 October 2019
How will the Bill translate into UK law the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the Withdrawal Agreement that replaced the 'backstop'?

Leaving the European Union: Stability of the United Kingdom's Union
Lords Library research briefing, 21 December 2018
Provides background information on the union and examines issues that have arisen in debates on unionism since the EU referendum

Leaving the European Union: Impact on the Good Friday Agreement
Lords Library research briefing, 4 October 2018
Provides background information on the changing context for the Good Friday Agreement represented by Brexit

Devolution and exiting the EU: reconciling differences and building strong relationships
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee report, 31 July 2018
Calls on the Government to set out a clear devolution policy for the Union after Brexit to build strong UK relationships

Intergovernmental relations in the United Kingdom
Commons Library research briefing, 24 July 2018
Outlines the UK's existing intergovernmental machinery and analyses the impact of Brexit

Implications for Scotland of leaving the EU
Commons Library research briefing, 29 June 2018
Overview of the key issues at stake for Scotland including the future relationship with the EU and its role in the withdrawal process

Legislative consent and Brexit
Commons Library Insight, 15 April 2018
Explains why the Scottish and Welsh Governments recommended that their legislatures withhold consent to the EUW and Trade Bills

Legislative consent: what, why and how?
Commons Library Insight, 13 April 2018
Overview of what legislative consent is and what happens when it is withheld by the devolved authorities

Legislative Consent and the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill
Commons Library research briefing, updated 24 May 2018
Overview of attempts to agree changes to the EU Withdrawal Bill to gain legislative consent from Scotland and Wales

Brexit: Devolution and legislative consent
Commons Library research briefing, 29 March 2018
Overview of how the legislative consent convention works in the context of Brexit and devolution

Role of the devolved administrations and implications for the union
Lords Library research briefing, 22 January 2018
Examines the role of devolved administrations in the process of EU withdrawal and opportunities for strengthening the union of the UK

Devolution, exiting the EU and Clause 11 of the EU Withdrawal Bill
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee report, 29 November 2017
Argues that Clause 11 of the EU Withdrawal Bill is seen as constitutionally insensitive in terms of the devolution settlements

European Union (Withdrawal) Bill: Implications for devolution
Scottish Affairs Committee report, 19 November 2017
Warns that urgent action is needed to end a devolution stalemate on the repatriation of powers

Brexit: devolution
European Union Committee report, 19 July 2017
Considers the impact of Brexit on the devolution settlements and the fundamental constitutional challenges facing the UK

Implications for the Scottish devolution settlement
Commons Library research briefing, 13 March 2017
Debate pack for Westminster Hall debate on the implications for the Scottish devolution settlement of triggering Article 50

Local government

Brexit and Local Government
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee report, 3 April 2019
Calls on the Government to take urgent action to enable local authorities to prepare for the consequences of Brexit

Leaving the EU: local government consultation after withdrawal
Lords Library research briefing, 23 April 2018
Overview of the formal advisory role that local government currently has in the EU law and policy-making process

Brexit and local government
Commons Library research briefing, 20 July 2016
Examines impact on local authorities regarding devolution deals, EU structural funds, compliance with EU law and financial implications

Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories

Brexit and Gibraltar
Commons Library research briefing, 2 May 2017
Considers Gibraltar's constitutional status and some of the possible impacts of Brexit

Leaving the European Union: Status of Gibraltar
Lords Library research briefing, 2 May 2017
Background on the government, economy and society of Gibraltar, its historical status, and recent debates concerning its sovereignty

Brexit: Gibraltar update
Commons Library research briefing, 5 April 2018
Looks at how the Brexit negotiations will deal with Gibraltar's unique status as a UK external territory within the EU

The implications of Brexit for the Crown Dependencies
Justice Committee report, 28 March 2017
Looks at the Crown Dependencies' priorities for Brexit, the Government's engagement with them and potential issues

Brexit: the Crown Dependencies
European Union Committee report, 23 March 2017
Calls on the Government to remember its responsibilities to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man during Brexit talks

Brexit: Gibraltar
European Union Committee report, 1 March 2017
Calls for the UK Government to ensure Gibraltar's interests are protected throughout Brexit negotiations

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