Brexit: six months to go

The UK is six months away from leaving the European Union (EU). As things stand, at 11pm on Friday 29 March 2019, the two-year Article 50 period will end and the UK will cease to be a member of the EU. What happens then? 

The next six months will answer that question. Brexit is currently set to happen regardless of whether the UK reaches a deal with the EU. The UK’s readiness for life outside the bloc will depend on the progress of domestic preparations, but crucially also on what can be agreed in Brussels and how that is received in Westminster.

This paper looks at the progress made in delivering Brexit since the EU referendum over two years ago and what to expect in the frantic few months ahead. It assesses the UK’s readiness for Brexit with just six months to go. The paper does not consider issues such as the revocation of Article 50 or a second Brexit referendum.