Much controversy has surrounded the UK this summer because of its decision to leave the EU- a decision come to be known as Brexit (British Exit). On the day of June 23rd 2016, following a long and divisive campaign, the British Referendum determined the Leave Campaign as its majority winner by a vote of 53.4% to 46.6%. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, later resigned stating that he was incompatible with the wants of the general public. Politicians Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson- both key figures in the Leave campaign- expressed their excitement towards Britain’s newfound sovereignty, whilst others (including celebrities, politicians, and millennials) expressed fear towards what may result from this drastic change.

The British public was compelled to vote leave due to many factors: economic pressures, cultural influences, and the more abstract political dogmas (sovereignty, populism, libertarianism). Some small businesses have suffered under the EU’s overzealous regulations; for example Britain’s fishing industry has been decimated by the EU’s Common Fishing Policy (CFP), which has depleted fish stock and even prevented fishermen from working on their own ports.

Another issue to be recognized is immigration and Britain’s role in regulating its borders. Immigration from other EU countries has been unregulated and unopen to discussion. Immigration (primarily from Southeast Europe) has driven down wages for unskilled jobs. According to the Leave campaign, by reducing immigration from Southeast Europe, wages would increase. Europe’s drastic influx of muslim migrants was also a contributing factor. For example, the Rotherham child exploitation scandal, where an estimated 1,400 children were sexually abused through the years 1997-2013. Police failed to persecute the Pakistani gang(s) perpetrating these crimes for fear of “giving oxygen” to racism.

The EU’s democratic values were put into question throughout the campaign. UK citizens do not vote in their EU representatives (or at least not for the European Commision). However, the European Commision does not legislate pan-European laws, its purpose is only enforcement of those policies.

Leave campaigners discussed the NHS (National Health Service) prominently- making such ostentatious claims as saying Britain would be saving £360 million pounds a week that could be allocated to health services. But now figures such as Nigel Farage have backtracked on their claims after the referendum, revealing that, in fact, their leading statistics were deceptive.

The Stay campaign’s concerns are with the UK’s reputation in Europe, collateral economic consequences,  and a loss of benefits provided by the EU. By leaving the EU, Britain may lose a massive amount of goodwill from other EU countries. Leave campaigners warn of Brexit setting off a domino effect in Europe, and if this were to occur, the entire continent could suffer.

“Brexit is reflective of widespread xenophobia in Europe, but at the same time there is the issue of the Greek debt and who would be paying the bill” Mr. Kane, Coronado history teacher.

Notable effects on the British economy caused by Brexit was a significant decrease in the value of the pound, British stocks, and an immediate sharp plunge in the market. Economists have noticed a modest bounce after Britain’s stocks plunged to a 31 year low, but still have yet to make any decisive conclusion. Many economists agree it is the psychological reaction from other countries that will determine the state of the British and World markets after Brexit.

Now, the current question regarding  Brexit is when the British government plans to invoke Article 50 and begin the two-year legal process of seceding. Theresa May- a member of Cameron’s Conservative party and former Home Secretary- is now to be appointed Prime Minister, and further developments and complications are to arise as the country enters this difficult transition.

Brexit is a result of decades of political tensions in Europe that escalated into action. Beyond the surface level of policy, there are the underlying ideological influences. Brexit is a matter concerning sovereignty, authoritarianism, and the role of government in society. These very topics are discussed in History and English class, and disputed between social circles. Brexit symbolizes a clash of ideologies one witnesses in everyday life.