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      What was the process for leaving the EU?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the process for how the UK left the European Union (EU).

      Key learning points

      1. The UK’s departure from the EU was a lengthy and complex process. It began with the triggering of Article 50.
      2. Key Brexit issues: trade with the EU, financial settlement, and citizens' rights, including workers' rights.
      3. Brexit’s close result caused disagreements in Parliament, leading some to call for a second referendum.
      4. 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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      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

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the purpose of a referendum?

      to elect representatives in Parliament
      Correct answer: to vote directly on important issues
      to create new laws without public input

      Q2.
      Which was not a factor in the 2016 referendum results?

      age
      education
      region
      Correct answer: weather

      Q3.
      Post-WWII, a number of key treaties laid the foundations for the formation of various .

      Correct Answer: unions

      Q4.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:cooperation,working together to achieve the same end

      working together to achieve the same end

      Correct Answer:control,the ability to manage laws, money, and land independently

      the ability to manage laws, money, and land independently

      Correct Answer:summit,a meeting between heads of government

      a meeting between heads of government

      Q5.
      What are the key benefits of an EU membership?

      cultural, military, and environmental benefits
      Correct answer: economic, security, and social benefits
      security, technological, and scientific benefits

      Q6.
      What is the primary role of the European Council?

      creating and implementing laws across all EU member states
      managing economic agreements between members states
      Correct answer: setting the EU's strategic direction and addressing key issues

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Britain experienced political as a result of the referendum on leaving the EU.

      unification
      cooperation
      Correct answer: instability

      Q2.
      What must a member state do to begin the process of leaving the EU?

      Correct answer: trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty
      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?

      space exploration agreements
      Correct answer: citizens' and workers' rights
      climate change policies

      Q4.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:Article 50,the part of the treaty that allows countries to withdraw from the EU

      the part of the treaty that allows countries to withdraw from the EU

      Correct Answer:constitution,the principles and rules by which a country is organised

      the principles and rules by which a country is organised

      Correct Answer:common law,law made by the decisions of judges over the years

      law made by the decisions of judges over the years

      Q5.
      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.
      Correct answer: It required resolving issues like trade and finances.

      Q6.
      Brexit’s close result caused disagreements in Parliament, leading some to call for a second .

      Correct Answer: referendum

      To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: What was the process for leaving the EU?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...