Skip to main content
Mostly Clear icon
50º
Join Insider for Free

Business

Timeline of events in Britain's exit from the European Union

Associated Press

Tags: politics, Business, Government, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, David Davis, Thomas Mair, David Cameron, Ursula Von Der Leyen, Jo Cox, Election
1 / 27
FILE - In this Tuesday March 28, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, sitting below a painting of Britain's first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, in 10 Downing Street, London, invoking Article 50 of the bloc's key treaty, the formal start of exit negotiations. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (Christopher Furlong/Pool Photo via AP, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, July 13, 2016 file photo Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, speaks to the media as his wife Samantha and their children Nancy, Florence and Elwen, from left, look on as they leave 10 Downing Street, in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019 file photo, a Brexit supporter, at right, holds a placard up in front of remain in the EU supporters protesting outside Downing Street in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, March 29, 2017 file photo British Union flag waves in front of the Elizabeth Tower at Houses of Parliament containing the bell know as "Big Ben" in central London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE - In this Monday, June 19, 2017 file photo, a member of staff changes the EU and British flags prior to the arrival of EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier and British Secretary of State David Davis at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during an election campaign event for his ruling Conservative Party at the NEC, (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham, England. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2016 file photo, Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, celebrates after Britain voted to leave the European Union. Britain will finally leave the EU on Jan. 31, 2020 after 47 years of membership. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 file photo the Union flag is lowered and removed from outside of the European Parliament in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 file photo, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson shakes hands with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker during a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
FILE - In this Sunday Feb. 21, 2016 file photo, London Mayor Boris Johnson makes a statement outside his home in London after announcing he would support the Leave Campaign in the EU referendum. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland, File)
FILE - In this Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 file photo, Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab, left, and EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier prepare to shake hands after a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 file photo British Prime Minister Theresa May waits for the arrival of European Council President Donald Tusk prior to a bilateral meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk during an EU summit in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, Pool)
FILE - In this Friday Dec. 13, 2019 file photo Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is greeted by staff as he returns to 10 Downing Street, London, after meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and accepting her invitation to form a new government. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP, File)
FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019 file photo a person dressed as a caricature of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a prison uniform stands outside the Supreme Court in London after it made it's decision on the legality of Johnson's five-week suspension of Parliament. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, file)
FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 file photo British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, center, is greeted by Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, center left, during a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
FILE - In this file photo dated Wednesday, July 24, 2019, Britain's newly installed Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks outside 10 Downing Street in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 file photo European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right, welcomes British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prior to a meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2020 file photo, People draped in UK flags walks across Parliament Square during a rainfall in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019 file photo European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier attends the weekly EU College of Commissioners meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 file photo European Commission's Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom Michel Barnier walks from his hotel to the Conference Centre in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 file photo, Why Brexit? is written on the hat of Anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray as he stands outside Parliament in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron walks past a map of Europe on a screen after making a speech on holding a referendum on staying in the European Union in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE - In this Monday, July 20, 2020 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron, center, during a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (John Thys, Pool Photo via AP, File)
FILE - In this Friday, May 24, 2019 file photo British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts as she turns away after making a speech, saying that she would step down, in the street outside 10 Downing Street in London, England. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
FILE- In this Wednesday, March 29, 2017 file photo, EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty at a press conference in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys, File)
FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 file photo Anti-Brexit remain in the European Union supporters gather after taking part in a "People's Vote" protest march calling for another referendum on Britain's EU membership, in Parliament Square in London. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE - In this Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 file photo British Prime Minister Theresa May, center, arrives for a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

POOL

FILE - In this Tuesday March 28, 2017 file photo, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, sitting below a painting of Britain's first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, in 10 Downing Street, London, invoking Article 50 of the bloc's key treaty, the formal start of exit negotiations. Britain and the European Union have struck a provisional free-trade agreement that should avert New Years chaos for cross-border commerce and bring a measure of certainty to businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The breakthrough on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 came after months of tense and often testy negotiations that whittled differences down to three key issues: fair-competition rules, mechanisms for resolving future disputes and fishing rights. (Christopher Furlong/Pool Photo via AP, File)

LONDON – A timeline of key events related to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union:

Jan. 23, 2013: British Prime Minister David Cameron promises a referendum on Britain’s membership in the EU if the Conservative Party wins the next general election. He does so to try to garner support among euroskeptics within his own party.

Recommended Videos

May. 7, 2015: British voters elect a majority Conservative government. Cameron confirms in his victory speech that there will be an “in/out” referendum on European Union membership.

Feb. 20, 2016: Cameron announces that he has negotiated a deal with EU leaders that gives Britain “special status.” He confirms that he will campaign for Britain to remain in the 28-nation bloc. The referendum date is set for June.

Feb. 21: Cameron is struck with a severe blow when one of his closest Conservative allies, the media-savvy Boris Johnson, joins the “leave” campaign.

June 16: One week before the referendum, Labour Party lawmaker and “remain” campaigner Jo Cox is killed by extremist Thomas Mair, who shouted “Britain First” before shooting and stabbing her.

June 23: Britain votes 52% to 48% to leave the European Union.

June 24: Cameron says he will resign in light of the results because Britain needs “fresh leadership” to take the country in a new direction.

July 13: Following a Conservative Party leadership contest, Home Secretary Theresa May becomes prime minister.

March 29, 2017: The British government formally triggers Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, setting in motion a two-year process for Britain to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019.

June 8: A general election called by May to bolster her party’s representation in Parliament to help with the Brexit negotiations backfires. Her Conservative Party loses its majority and continues in a weakened state as a minority government.

July 7, 2018: May and her Cabinet endorse the so-called “Chequers Plan” worked out at a fractious session at the prime minister’s country retreat. The plan leads to the resignations of Brexit Secretary David Davis, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and others who favor a more definitive break with EU.

Nov. 25: EU leaders approve a withdrawal deal reached with Britain after months of difficult negotiations. May urges the British Parliament to back the agreement.

Dec. 10: May delays the planned Brexit vote in Parliament one day before it is set to be held because it faces certain defeat. She seeks further concessions from the EU.

Dec. 12: Conservative lawmakers who back a clean break from the EU trigger a no-confidence vote in May over her handling of Brexit. She wins by 200 votes to 117, making her safe from another such challenge for a year.

Jan. 15, 2019: The Brexit deal comes back to Parliament, where it is overwhelmingly defeated on a 432-202 vote. The House of Commons will end up rejecting May’s agreement three times.

March 21 EU agrees to extended the Brexit deadline, just over a week before Britain's scheduled departure on March 29

April 11: Britain and the EU agree for a second time to extend the withdrawal deadline to keep Brexit from happening without a deal in place. The new deadline is Oct. 31.

June 7: May steps down as Conservative Party leader over the stalled Brexit agreement.

July 23: Boris Johnson elected new Conservative Party leader

July 24: Johnson takes office as prime minister, insisting the U.K. with leave the EU on Oct. 31, with or without a deal.

Aug. 28: Johnson says he will temporarily shut down Parliament until mid-October, giving opponents less time to thwart a no-deal Brexit.

Sept. 3: Rebel Conservative Party lawmakers vote against the government in protest of Johnson’s strategy. They are expelled from the party.

Sept. 5: Johnson asserts he would rather be “dead in a ditch” than ask for another Brexit extension.

Sept. 9: A parliamentary measure that prevents the U.K. from leaving the EU without a deal becomes law.

Sept. 24: U.K. Supreme Court rules government’s suspension of Parliament was unlawful.

Oct. 10: Johnson and Irish leader Leo Varadkar meet and announce “pathway to a possible deal.″

Oct. 17: U.K. and EU announce they’ve struck a deal after the .K. makes concessions over Northern Ireland.

Oct. 19: Parliament sits on a Saturday and demands to see legislation before approving the deal.

Oct. 22: Johnson puts Brexit legislation on pause .

Oct. 28: Johnson asks the EU to delay Brexit again. The new deadline is Jan. 31.

Oct. 29 Parliament votes for a national election at the request of Johnson', who hopes it will break the Brexit stalemate.

Dec. 12: Johnson wins a large majority in the general election, giving him the power to push through Brexit legislation.

Jan. 23, 2020: EU Withdrawal Bill becomes law.

Jan. 29: European Parliament approves the Brexit divorce deal.

Jan. 31: U.K. officially leaves the EU at 11 p.m., entering an 11-month transition period put in place for the two sides to negotiate a deal on their future relations.

Dec. 7: After months of U.K.-EU negotiations, Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen say significant differences still stand in the way of a free trade deal.

Dec. 9 Johnson and von der Leyen hold a dinner meeting in Brussels to see whether the differences can be bridged. They don't make a breakthrough but announce negotiations will continue for four more days, setting a Dec. 13 deadline for a final deal or no-deal decision.

Dec, 13: Von der Leyen and Johnson say negotiations will continue, vowing to go the “extra mile” to get a deal.

Dec. 24: The U.K. and EU announce they have struck a deal, just over a week before the year-end deadline, that will allow tariff- and quota-free trade to continue.

Dec. 30: EU leaders in Brussels and Johnson in London officially sign the agreement. Britain's House of Commons votes its approval with a day to go until the split becomes official on New Year's Eve.

___

Follow AP’s full coverage of Brexit and British politics at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit

Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Loading...

Recommended Videos

KSAT DEALS