The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Referendum›Brexit
Politics & World • Referendum

Brexit

Brexit is the term for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brexit is the term for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. The term is a portmanteau of “British” and “exit.” A referendum on 23 June 2016 led to the UK’s departure from the EU, which formally took effect on 31 January 2020.

Background

Brexit developed from long-running debates in the UK over sovereignty, regulation, immigration, and the country’s relationship with the EU. The term became widely used as shorthand for the broader political process and its consequences.

2016 referendum

In the 23 June 2016 referendum, UK voters were asked whether the country should remain in or leave the European Union. The Leave option won with about 51.9% of the vote.

Withdrawal process

After the referendum, the UK began the legal process of leaving the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The UK formally withdrew on 31 January 2020, followed by a transition period that ended on 31 December 2020.

Consequences

Brexit affected trade, regulation, immigration rules, and the UK’s relationship with the EU and other countries. It also became a major subject in UK domestic politics and in discussions about Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Key facts

  • Brexit refers to the UK’s exit from the European Union.
  • The name is a blend of “British” and “exit.”
  • The UK referendum on EU membership took place on 23 June 2016.
  • A majority of voters chose to leave the EU.
  • The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020.
🍁
Canadian context

Brexit affected Canada through trade, diplomacy, and adjustments to Canada–UK and Canada–EU economic relations, since the UK’s exit changed the framework for its participation in European markets and agreements.

Frequently asked questions

What does Brexit mean?
Brexit is a portmanteau of “British” and “exit,” referring to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.
When did the Brexit referendum happen?
The referendum took place on 23 June 2016.
Did the UK vote to leave the EU?
Yes. About 51.9% of voters chose to leave, while 48.1% chose to remain.
When did the UK formally leave the EU?
The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020.
Was there a transition period after Brexit?
Yes. A transition period followed the formal withdrawal and ended on 31 December 2020.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brexit
    Supports: Definition of Brexit, referendum result, and formal withdrawal date.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46318565
    Supports: Plain-language explanation of Brexit, referendum date, and Leave victory.
  3. Library of Congress — https://guides.loc.gov/brexit
    Supports: Meaning of Brexit, referendum context, and term origin.
  4. UK Parliament House of Commons Library — https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7960/
    Supports: Referendum outcome and Brexit timeline.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withdrawal_from_the_European_Union
    Supports: UK as the only state to withdraw from the EU, Article 50 process, and transition period timing.