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The Final Brexit Question

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The Final Brexit Question

The Known Plan A to Remain or the Unknown Plan B to Leave

CEPS,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Advocates for Brexit haven’t considered the fallout of the UK quitting the European Union.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Eye Opening
  • Overview

Recommendation

Many of the consequences of Brexit – a decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union – would be momentous, as senior research fellow Michael Emerson points out in his illuminating paper. He notes that the status quo gives the UK what it wants, while opting out of the EU may very well wreak havoc on the country. He meticulously spells out the various options available and their possible effects. getAbstract recommends Emerson’s thoughtful report, written before the Brexit vote, to those who seek to understand the choices facing Britons.

Summary

If the United Kingdom chooses to remain in the European Union on June 23, 2016, it will largely continue its relationship with the EU under the status quo. The UK already enjoys most of what it wants as an EU member: It participates in the European single market and helps set the group’s course in foreign and political policy. But it doesn’t partake in the single currency or in the Schengen area of open borders. In February 2016, EU authorities agreed to four UK requests, subject to the UK remaining in the EU (Plan A): that euro members not discriminate against the City of London; that plans for improved competitiveness continue; that...

About the Author

Michael Emerson is an associate senior research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies.

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