Great Britain’s 46-year-long membership with the European Union has consisted of uncertainty since 1975, when the first referendum involving the membership was posed. The concern of membership continued to linger.

Due to the refugee crisis of 2016, Brexit gained political prominence. In response to the refugee crisis, The New York Times presented statistics which showed 52 percent to 48 percent of Brits supported some form of Brexit.

Great Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union is still being discussed. Prime Minister Theresa May came to an agreement with the European Union in November 2018, which was voted against twice by Parliament.

A revised form of withdrawal was presented on March 29 and received 58 votes in opposition. Despite the lack of majority throughout Parliament, Brexit is expected to happen on April 12.

“If there is no other deal in place and that date comes around, it’s not up to Britain, it’s up to the Europeans,” said Assistant Professor of International and Middle Eastern Politics Josh Goodman. The European Union can then decide to grant Britain an extension. The alternative to an extension is a hard Brexit. The hard Brexit involves Great Britain leaving the European Union and also leaving the single market and customs union.

The single market and customs union enables the members of the European Union to move their goods freely in designated territory. Britain depends on Europe for a majority of its exports and foreign investment.

Due to the extent of the economic relations between Britain and the European Union, the possibility of a hard Brexit does raise some concern for Great Britain’s economy.

While the end of free movement does appeal to citizens who believe Europeans are taking their jobs, this also complicates those who wish to live abroad. “All of the sudden the status of Europeans working in the UK, as well as British citizens working in Europe, gets thrown into doubt,” said Goodman.

Despite the free movement available to members of the European Union, Britain does have one land border with the European Union, which is located in Northern Ireland. In order to stop the implementation of checkpoints at the border, May devised “the backstop.” May’s plan involved the continuation of trade relations with European nations while an agreement on border leniency could be made. However, Parliament voted May’s backstop down.

Assistant Professor of History and African Studies Professor Rosa Williams, who is also a British citizen, further explained that the continuation of similar trade relations with Ireland and European countries “allows for stability from a business perspective.” However, Great Britain’s exit from the European Union would prevent Britain from having input on trade relations. “Why would we want that?” asked Williams.  

In addition to a hard Brexit, Parliament could potentially support May’s deal. Although, the lack of majority within Parliament could lead to major renegotiation. The renegotiation would demand time and would need the approval of the European Union. However, April 12 and the European Union elections are fast approaching. Despite the issue of time sensitivity, Great Britain’s plan for withdrawal from the European Union remains unclear.