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.

• From: Cabinet Office
• Published: 29 February 2016
• Last updated: 4 March 2016 — See all updates

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

Documents

The process for withdrawing from the European Union - web version

PDF, 330 KB, 25 pages

The process for withdrawing from the European Union - print version

Ref: ISBN 9781474129411, Cm. 9216

PDF, 1.75 MB, 28 pages

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The process for withdrawing from the European Union - summary

PDF, 398 KB, 2 pages

Y broses ar gyfer gadael yr Undeb Ewropeaidd

PDF, 1.81 MB, 28 pages

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.

Published 29 February 2016
Last updated 4 March 2016 + show all updates

1. 4 March 2016

   added summary

2. 29 February 2016

   First published.