Brexiteers

Definition

Brexiteers are individuals or groups who actively support the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit. This term is often associated with politicians, activists, and voters who advocate for the sovereignty and independence of the UK from EU regulations and influence. Brexiteers played a significant role in shaping the discourse around the UK-EU relationship during the referendum and its aftermath.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brexiteers were a prominent force in the 2016 referendum, where 51.9% of voters chose to leave the EU.
2. Key figures among Brexiteers included politicians like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, who argued that leaving the EU would allow the UK to reclaim control over its laws and borders.
3. Brexiteers often emphasized economic arguments, claiming that leaving the EU would free up resources for domestic investment and reduce contributions to the EU budget.
4. The term has evolved over time and can refer to both individuals directly involved in campaigning for Brexit as well as those who have expressed support for it in broader societal discussions.
5. As negotiations progressed post-referendum, divisions emerged within Brexiteer ranks regarding the desired relationship with the EU, particularly over issues like trade agreements and immigration policies.

Review Questions

• How did Brexiteers influence public opinion during the referendum on leaving the EU?
  • Brexiteers played a crucial role in shaping public opinion through various campaigns that highlighted themes of national sovereignty, control over immigration, and economic independence. They effectively communicated their vision of a UK free from EU regulations, which resonated with many voters concerned about loss of national identity and governmental power. The rhetoric used by Brexiteers appealed to emotions and national pride, contributing significantly to the overall outcome of the referendum.
• Evaluate the impact of Brexiteers on the negotiations between the UK and EU following the referendum result.
  • Brexiteers significantly impacted negotiations by pushing for a 'hard Brexit,' which aimed for minimal concessions to maintain close ties with the EU. Their insistence on leaving both the single market and customs union complicated discussions, creating friction between different political factions. This led to internal disagreements within the UK government regarding trade arrangements, regulatory standards, and future relations with Europe, ultimately shaping the direction of post-Brexit policies.
• Assess how the rise of Brexiteers has affected broader political dynamics within the UK and its relationship with Europe in recent years.
  • The rise of Brexiteers has fundamentally altered political dynamics within the UK, leading to increased polarization around issues of national identity, immigration, and economic policy. Their influence has prompted shifts in party alignments, with traditional parties adapting their stances on Europe to respond to changing voter sentiments. Additionally, this surge has created tension in UK-EU relations as both sides navigate complex negotiations, raising questions about future cooperation and potential conflicts that could arise as they redefine their partnership.

Related terms

Leave Campaign: The campaign that promoted the idea of leaving the European Union during the 2016 referendum, advocating for British sovereignty and control over laws and borders.

Article 50: A provision of the Treaty on European Union that outlines the process for a member state to withdraw from the EU, which was invoked by the UK in 2017.

Hard Brexit: A term used to describe a scenario where the UK leaves the EU with little or no agreement on future relations, resulting in significant changes to trade and regulatory frameworks.