Brexit – the rocky road ahead

REFERENDUM

UK votes 52:48 in favour of leaving European Union. Ballot is not constitutionally binding –
parliament will vote on whether UK should leave

NEW PRIME MINISTER

Prime Minister David Cameron (above left) has said he will resign. His successor as Conservative
leader and prime minister will be elected by September 9. Polls suggest Theresa May (above right) is voters' choice

PARLIAMENT

MPs are divided roughly 75:25 against Brexit. MPs must sign off on any post-Brexit agreement.
Full access to single market will require free movement of people to live and work in UK

UK-EU LAW

EU-related law makes up at least a sixth of UK statute book, plus 12,295 EU regulations with “direct
effect”*. Possible option is for parliament to translate all existing EU law into British law in
single “Brexit Act”

ARTICLE 50

New leader will have to decide timetable to invoke Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty- possibly by end of year. Article 50 sets two-year time limit on negotiating exit. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (left)
has called for quick instigation of Article 50.

NEGOTIATIONS

Draft deal will be put to European Council – all 27 EU leaders. Deal needs approval of at least
20 countries with 65% of EU population before ratification by European Parliament. After two years, negotiations can only be extended if all 27 states agree, otherwise……

EARLY ELECTION UK LEAVES EU

If early general election is called before two years are up - and winning party campaigns on pro-EU mandate - can new government withdraw Article 50 notification?

Article 50 doesn't cover this situation - lawyers are divided

*Direct effect confers rights on individuals which UK courts must recognise and enforce 

Source: House of Commons Library

Pictures: Associated Press