Policy paper

The process for withdrawing from the European Union (Archived)

This document explains the process that would follow a vote to leave the EU, and the prospects for negotiations.

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Documents

The process for withdrawing from the European Union - print version

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Details

This document sets out the process that would follow a vote to leave the European Union, and the prospects for negotiations. The rules for exit are set out in Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This is the only lawful route available to withdraw from the EU.

Alternative models for the UK’s relationship with the EU after exit are examined in a second document.

Updates to this page

Published 29 February 2016
Last updated 4 March 2016 + show all updates
  1. added summary

  2. First published.

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