Britain’s new global role after Brexit

The decision to leave the EU has shaken the foundations of Britain and her role in the world. Quentin Peel sets the scene for a series of articles on Britain’s future

The World Today Updated 26 November 2020 2 minute READ

Quentin Peel

Former Associate Fellow, Europe Programme

The United Kingdom’s referendum vote to leave the European Union has opened a Pandora’s box of options for their future relationship. Most of them look distinctly uncomfortable.

Whatever happens, the negotiations between the UK and its partners to disentangle 43 years of ever-closer integration in the institutions of the EU are going to be very complicated, prolonged, and potentially fractious. They could well bring most other strategic decision-making in London and Brussels to a standstill for years on end. With each passing day, lawyers and civil servants are discovering new subjects that will have to be agreed – by 28 different countries – just for Britain to leave the EU, before it can formally begin to negotiate future economic and trade relations.

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