Brexit, 10 years later A “political accident” in slow motion

The integration of the United Kingdom into the European Union has always been problematic. The EU has never succeeded in convincing the British that they were European. Brexit thus appears to be the result of a lack of common identity. But it is also a “political accident” resulting from the promise of a Prime Minister who did not think he would have to follow through. History of a waltz-hesitation in 10 notable dates.

1957

Lukewarm to the idea of ​​complying with supranational rules, the United Kingdom passed its turn during the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) which would become one of the pillars of the European Union (EU). The former colonial power also fears damaging its relations with the Commonwealth countries.

1973

The United Kingdom finally enters the EEC, but must accept the framework developed without it. Already, the British are balking. After a change of government, a referendum was organized in 1975. Remaining within the EEC obtained 67% of the votes.

1992 

The Treaty of Maastricht gives birth to the European Union. But the United Kingdom will always keep an arm’s length, in particular by not adopting the common currency, the euro, which arrived in wallets in 2002.

2009

The sovereign debt crisis in Europe is making EU members who are doing better, like the United Kingdom, cringe. In the following years, increased migration will fuel feelings of loss of control and identity.

2015

Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron calls an election. He is not in favor of Brexit, but to calm the Eurosceptics who are gaining ground, he promises to hold a referendum if he wins a majority… which he obtains to his great surprise.

2016

Stuck with his promise, Cameron holds a Brexit referendum on June 23. Shock: 52% of Britons vote to leave the EU! David Cameron, who campaigned for Remain, announced his resignation the next day. Theresa May succeeds him.

2017

Prime Minister Theresa May formalizes the UK’s intention to leave the EU, triggering a two-year countdown. Given the complexity of the negotiations, the initial deadline will be postponed.

2019

Unable to reach an agreement, Theresa May resigns. Boris Johnson, leader of the Leave camp, takes his place at 10 Downing Street. The colorful politician will then be re-elected hands down.

2020

In extremis, the United Kingdom and the EU reach an agreement, eliminating the risks of a hard Brexit (without agreement). After 47 years of living together, the divorce was pronounced on January 31. A transition period is planned until December 31.

2022

Spattered by scandals, Boris Johnson must leave. Liz Truss replaces him… but resigns after 44 days, sunk by catastrophic economic choices. Rishi Sunak takes over, becoming the fifth Conservative leader in seven years. The credibility of the party that presided over Brexit is seriously damaged and it loses power to the Labor Party in 2024.