Remainers

Definition

Remainers are individuals and groups in the UK who supported staying within the European Union during the Brexit referendum. This group advocated for the benefits of EU membership, emphasizing economic stability, social cohesion, and the political importance of being part of a larger European community. Their arguments often focused on the potential risks and uncertainties associated with leaving the EU, particularly concerning trade, immigration, and regulatory standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Remain supporters highlighted the economic advantages of EU membership, arguing that leaving could jeopardize jobs and investment.
2. The remain campaign included diverse groups, such as politicians, business leaders, and academics, all advocating for the benefits of continued EU membership.
3. Remain voters were more concentrated in urban areas, particularly London, compared to rural areas where leave support was stronger.
4. The remain campaign faced challenges due to perceived issues with EU bureaucracy and public sentiment around immigration.
5. Following Brexit, remainers have continued to influence discussions about the UK's relationship with the EU, focusing on maintaining close ties and addressing post-Brexit challenges.

Review Questions

• How did remainers articulate their arguments during the Brexit referendum, and what were their main concerns regarding leaving the EU?
  • Remainers focused on several key arguments during the Brexit referendum, primarily emphasizing economic stability and job security that came with EU membership. They raised concerns about potential trade barriers that could arise if the UK left the EU, which might lead to higher prices and loss of investment. Additionally, remainers expressed worries about social cohesion and the UK's ability to influence European policies from outside the union.
• Evaluate the impact of demographic factors on the support for remainers during the Brexit vote.
  • Demographic factors played a significant role in shaping support for remainers during the Brexit vote. Generally, younger voters tended to favor remaining in the EU, viewing it as essential for opportunities such as travel and employment across Europe. Urban areas like London saw higher concentrations of remain voters compared to rural regions where leave sentiments were stronger. This divide highlighted contrasting views on globalization and national identity among different demographics.
• Assess how the position of remainers has evolved since Brexit and their influence on UK-EU relations moving forward.
  • Since Brexit, remainers have adapted their strategies to continue advocating for a close relationship between the UK and the EU. They have focused on addressing post-Brexit challenges like trade disruptions and regulatory alignment, aiming to keep public discourse centered around maintaining cooperative ties with Europe. Remainers have formed networks and organizations to lobby for a second referendum or closer alignment with EU policies, thereby influencing political debates on how to navigate future UK-EU relations effectively.

Related terms

Brexit: The term used to describe the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, following a referendum held in June 2016.

Leave Campaign: The movement that campaigned for the UK to exit the European Union, highlighting issues such as sovereignty, immigration control, and economic independence.

Article 50: A provision in the Treaty on European Union that outlines the process for a member state to withdraw from the EU.