Theresa may pressure brexit position

Theresa May's Brexit position evolved over time, and she faced significant pressure from various sides. Here's a brief overview:

Initial Position (2016-2017): May's government triggered Article 50 in March 2017, formally starting the Brexit process. Her initial position was to pursue a "hard Brexit," which meant leaving the single market and customs union, and negotiating a new trade agreement with the EU.

Chequers Agreement (2018): In July 2018, May's government proposed the Chequers Agreement, which aimed to maintain a "common rulebook" for goods with the EU, while allowing the UK to diverge on services. This proposal was met with resistance from both the EU and some Conservative MPs, who felt it didn't deliver sufficient control over borders and laws.

Backlash and Pressure (2018-2019): The Chequers Agreement faced intense criticism from various quarters, including:

  1. Conservative MPs: Many Tory MPs, including some in the Cabinet, opposed the Chequers Agreement, arguing it didn't deliver Brexit as promised.
  2. EU: The EU rejected the Chequers Agreement, saying it didn't meet their requirements for a "backstop" solution to avoid a hard border in Ireland.
  3. Labour Party: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized the Chequers Agreement, saying it didn't deliver the benefits of Brexit for the UK.

Withdrawal Agreement (2019): In November 2018, May's government published a revised Withdrawal Agreement, which included a new backstop arrangement to avoid a hard border in Ireland. However, this agreement was still met with resistance from both the EU and some Conservative MPs.

Resignation and Succession (2019): May's leadership was challenged, and she eventually resigned as Prime Minister in July 2019. Boris Johnson, a prominent Brexit supporter, succeeded her and became the new Prime Minister.

Johnson's Brexit Position (2019-2020): Johnson's government pursued a more hardline Brexit approach, including:

  1. Withdrawal Agreement: Johnson's government negotiated a revised Withdrawal Agreement, which included a new "Irish Sea border" to avoid a hard border in Ireland.
  2. EU Negotiations: Johnson's government engaged in intense negotiations with the EU, which ultimately led to the signing of the Withdrawal Agreement in October 2019.
  3. General Election (2019): Johnson called a general election, which resulted in a Conservative majority government, giving him a stronger mandate to deliver Brexit.

Brexit Timeline:

Theresa May faced significant pressure from various sides throughout her premiership, which ultimately led to her resignation and the succession of Boris Johnson.