Brexit (Scotland says "Yes")

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, often shortened to Brexit (short for British exit) is a political aim of some political parties, advocacy groups, and individuals in the United Kingdom. In 1975 a referendum was held on the country's membership of the European Economic Community, a precursor to the EU. The outcome of the vote was that the country continued to be a member of the EEC. More recently, the issue has been brought forth by the United Kingdom Independence Party, especially after Scotland's independence. During the 2016 General Election the Conservative Party pledged to hold a referendum should they form a government. Whilst they lost the election, it remains a large issue.

Background
The United Kingdom joined the EEC (or Common Market) on the 1st January 1973 under the Conserative government of Edward Heath. However, the Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, contested the October 1974 general election with the pledge of renogiating Britain's term's of membership with the EEC, and then hold a referendum. The Labour party won, meaning that the referendum was held, but with all major political parties and mainstream press supporting continuing membership. However, there was some splits in both the Labour Party and Government. On 5th June 1975 the electorate was asked the question "Do you think the UK should stay in the European Community (Common Market)?" Every administrative county in the UK had a majority of "Yes", apart from the Shetland Islands and the Outer Hebrides. In line with the vote, the UK remained within the EEC.

The opposition Labour Party campaigned in the 1983 general election on a commitment to withdraw from the EEC. However, Labour was heavily defeated, and the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher was re-elected, prompting Labour to subsequently change its policy.

In 1993 the Maastricht Treaty came into effect, transforming the EEC into the present-day European Union.

The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), a Eurosceptic political party, was formed in the early 1990s. It achieved third place in the UK during the 2004 European election, second place in the 2009 European elections, and first place in the 2014 European elections, just prior to the Scottish Independence Referendum. This last was the first time since 1906 thay any party other than the Labour or Conservative parties had taken the largest share of the vote in a UK-wide election.