Summary UK politics & government: aims, role & impact of the EU on the UK govt
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Course
Unit 2 - Governing the UK
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
detailed notes on the area of the edexcel spec which covers the aims, role and impact of the European Union (EU) on the UK government:
• The aims of the EU, including the ‘four freedoms’ of the single market, political and economic union, and the extent to which these have been achieved.
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4.3 the aims, role & impact of the EU on the UK govt
Nature of the EU –
ï‚· 4 main features of EU:
- Customs union – there are no tariffs (import taxes) on any goods & services being
traded between member states. Also means that member states cannot have
separate trade agreements with countries outside EU. All external trade
agreements apply to all members.
- Free, single market – there can be no barriers to the free movement of goods,
services, finance, labour, or people between member states. Citizens of a
member state are citizens of EU & can live anywhere in the Union & enjoy
common citizenship rights.
- Partial political union – laws made by institutions of EU with apply throughout
the Union – ensure that all members are on a level playing field using the same
laws.
- Some are part of monetary union – use the same currency (euro).
 EU based on principle of four freedoms of the single market – freedom of people,
labour, capital, and goods & services.
Political impact of the UK’s decision to leave EU –
 2016 EU referendum – 51.9% leave / 48.1% remain.
 2 PMs forced to resign over the issue – Cameron immediately after referendum &
May after failing to win parliamentary support for her Brexit deal.
 Both governing party & opposition became deeply divided over next steps – made it
difficult to pass Brexit legislation.
ï‚· Some MPs called for 2nd referendum & others for a soft Brexit.
- Soft Brexit – UK to keep as close a relationship with EU as possible, continuing to
be a member of the customs union & single market.
 Pro-Brexit faction of C party supported a ‘clean break’ or hard Brexit.
- Hard Brexit – UK to leave customs union & single market & not be subject to EU
rules or to decisions handed down by European Court of Justice. EU Withdrawal
Act & subsequent trade deal with EU.
ï‚· 2 GEs after referendum (2017 & 2019). 2019 restored a Commons majority to
Conservatives with a mandate to ‘get Brexit done’.
 EU Withdrawal Act – January 2020 – UK leaving EU’s political institutions.
ï‚· EU & UK agreed to trade deal (Dec 2020) which was approved by parliament.
Different trading arrangements for NI.
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