Brexit: The Causes and the Consequences

Abstract

This argumentative paper addresses the question, why did the British public vote to leave the European Union in the June 2016 referendum? “Brexit” captivated the attention of countless scholars, journalists and political leaders, as most of the world was shocked that the “Leave” campaign, spearheaded by the UK Independence Party, ultimately won out over the “Remain” campaign. Since the Brexit vote, debates have arisen, as perplexed outsiders attempt to discern the factors that contributed to 51.9% of referendum participants voting to leave the EU. I examine two dominant causes of the Brexit vote: first, the pervasiveness of anti-immigration rhetoric and sentiments; second, the powerful argument presented for economic independence. I discuss how the "Leave" campaign used and manipulated these arguments to ignite Euroscepticism and fear in the voters. After considering the causes of the vote, I analyze potential consequences of Brexit; specifically, how the restriction of the freedom of movement will impact the British economy and the possibility of another referendum on the independence of Scotland.