New
New
What was the process for leaving the EU?
I can explain the process for how the UK left the European Union (EU).
Lesson 7 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
What was the process for leaving the EU?
I can explain the process for how the UK left the European Union (EU).
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK’s departure from the EU was a lengthy and complex process. It began with the triggering of Article 50.
- Key Brexit issues: trade with the EU, financial settlement, and citizens' rights, including workers' rights.
- Brexit’s close result caused disagreements in Parliament, leading some to call for a second referendum.
- Britain experienced political instability as a result of the referendum on leaving the EU.
Keywords
Article 50 - the part of the treaty which allows countries to withdraw from the European Union
Constitution - the principles and rules by which a country is organised it can be written or unwritten
Common law - law made by the decisions of judges over the years
Common misconception
Article 50 means the UK left the EU.
Article 50 is the start of the process to leave the EU. A Member State must trigger this to begin negotiations to leave the EU.
Encourage pupils to discuss the complexity of Brexit by exploring different perspectives, including those who wanted a second referendum. This helps pupils understand the importance of fair campaigning and the impact of close political decisions.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of a referendum?
What is the purpose of a referendum?
to elect representatives in Parliament
to create new laws without public input
Q2.Which was not a factor in the 2016 referendum results?
Which was not a factor in the 2016 referendum results?
age
education
region
Q3.Post-WWII, a number of key treaties laid the foundations for the formation of various .
Post-WWII, a number of key treaties laid the foundations for the formation of various .
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q5.What are the key benefits of an EU membership?
What are the key benefits of an EU membership?
cultural, military, and environmental benefits
security, technological, and scientific benefits
Q6.What is the primary role of the European Council?
What is the primary role of the European Council?
creating and implementing laws across all EU member states
managing economic agreements between members states
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Britain experienced political as a result of the referendum on leaving the EU.
Britain experienced political as a result of the referendum on leaving the EU.
unification
cooperation
Q2.What must a member state do to begin the process of leaving the EU?
What must a member state do to begin the process of leaving the EU?
call for a national election
hold a general strike
sign a new trade agreement
Q3.Which of the following was a key issue in the Brexit negotiations?
Which of the following was a key issue in the Brexit negotiations?
space exploration agreements
climate change policies
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q5.Why was Brexit considered a lengthy ad complex process?
Why was Brexit considered a lengthy ad complex process?
It involved only trade agreements with the EU.
It had no impact on the UK's Parliament.
Q6.Brexit’s close result caused disagreements in Parliament, leading some to call for a second .
Brexit’s close result caused disagreements in Parliament, leading some to call for a second .
