Brexit - Historical Reasons
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Welcome to this British English reading and listening comprehension exercise, designed to help you improve your English language reading and listening skills as well as your vocabulary and grammar. In this lesson, we will explore the topic of Brexit - Historical Reasons. As you read the text, Brexit - Historical Reasons, pay close attention to vocabulary and content as after reading or listening, you will test your understanding of Brexit - Historical Reasons with multiple-choice questions. This exercise will not only enhance your reading and listening comprehension but also provide you with valuable knowledge about Brexit - Historical Reasons. Good luck and enjoy the exercises!
The British vote for Brexit in June 2016 was a culmination of historical factors that shaped the nation's relationship with the European Union. This decision was influenced by long-standing British scepticism towards European integration, which was evident in the UK's initial reluctance to join the European Economic Community and the Eurozone. Additionally, the global financial crisis of 2008 and the Eurozone debt crisis raised economic concerns, while the principle of free movement and the expansion of the EU in 2004 sparked debates over immigration and national identity. The media and political campaigns leading up to the referendum further fuelled these sentiments, ultimately resulting in the UK's decision to leave the EU.
The Historical Reasons Behind the British Brexit Vote
Introduction:
The British vote to leave the European Union (EU) in June 2016, commonly known as Brexit, was a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The event has been widely debated and analysed, with many seeking to understand the historical reasons that led to this decision. In this text, we will examine the key factors that contributed to the Brexit vote, including British scepticism towards European integration, economic concerns, and issues related to immigration and national identity.
British Scepticism Towards European Integration:
The United Kingdom has always maintained a somewhat ambivalent relationship with the European project. From the outset, British politicians were divided on the benefits of membership. When the European Economic Community (EEC) was established in 1957, the UK opted to stay out, creating the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as an alternative. It was only in 1973 that the UK joined the EEC after two failed attempts. The 1975 referendum on continued membership saw a majority of British citizens voting to stay in the EEC, but underlying scepticism remained.
As the European project evolved into the European Union and expanded its scope, British scepticism grew. The UK decided not to join the Eurozone, which was established in 1999, and maintained a series of opt-outs from key EU policies. This reluctance to fully engage with the EU laid the groundwork for the Brexit vote.
Economic Concerns:
The global financial crisis of 2008 had a profound impact on the UK's economy, leading to a period of austerity and widespread discontent. Many British citizens began to question the benefits of EU membership, particularly as it pertained to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Critics of the EU argued that British businesses were hampered by regulations originating from Brussels, which stifled growth and reduced competitiveness.
Moreover, the Eurozone debt crisis that began in 2009 fuelled further concerns. Although the UK was not a member of the Eurozone, the crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of the European project and raised questions about the economic stability of EU membership.
Immigration and National Identity:
One of the key issues that drove the Brexit vote was the subject of immigration. The EU's principle of free movement allowed citizens of member states to live and work anywhere within the bloc. The expansion of the EU in 2004, which included several Eastern European countries, led to an increase in immigration to the UK.
Many British citizens became concerned about the impact of immigration on public services, employment, and social cohesion. These concerns were amplified by anti-immigration rhetoric from some political parties and media outlets. The desire to regain control over the UK's borders and immigration policy played a significant role in the Brexit vote.
The Role of the Media and Political Campaigns:
The media and political campaigns leading up to the Brexit referendum also played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Pro-Brexit campaigns, such as Vote Leave, focused on issues of national sovereignty, immigration, and economic independence, tapping into long-standing concerns and dissatisfaction with the EU. On the other hand, the Remain campaign struggled to convey a clear and positive message about the benefits of EU membership.
Conclusion:
The British vote for Brexit was driven by a complex interplay of historical factors, including scepticism towards European integration, economic concerns, and issues related to immigration and national identity. The result has had profound consequences for the UK, the EU, and the broader international community. As the nation continues to navigate its post-Brexit future, it is crucial to understand the historical context that shaped this landmark decision.
/ ðə hɪ.ˈstɒ.rɪk.l̩ ˈriː.zənz bɪ.ˈhaɪnd ðə ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈbrek.sɪt vəʊt /
/ ˌɪn.trə.ˈdʌk.ʃn̩ /
/ ðə ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ vəʊt tə liːv ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˈjuː.nɪən / iːˈjuː / ɪn dʒuːn ˈtuː ˈθaʊz.n̩d sɪk.ˈstiːn / ˈkɒ.mən.li nəʊn əz ˈbrek.sɪt / wəz ə ˈpɪ.və.təl ˈməʊ.mənt ɪn ðə ˈneɪ.ʃənz ˈhɪ.str̩i / ði ɪ.ˈvent həz biːn ˈwaɪd.li dɪ.ˈbeɪ.tɪd ənd ˈæ.nə.laɪzd / wɪð ˈmen.i ˈsiːkɪŋ tu ˌʌn.də.ˈstænd ðə hɪ.ˈstɒ.rɪk.l̩ ˈriː.zənz ðət led tə ðɪs dɪ.ˈsɪʒ.n̩ / ɪn ðɪs tekst / wi wl̩ ɪɡ.ˈzæ.mɪn ðə kiː ˈfæk.təz ðət kən.ˈtrɪ.bjuː.tɪd tə ðə ˈbrek.sɪt vəʊt / ɪn.ˈkluːd.ɪŋ ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm tə.ˈwɔːdz ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˌɪn.tɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ / ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk kən.ˈsɜːnz / ənd ˈɪ.ʃuːz rɪ.ˈleɪ.tɪd tu ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ənd ˈnæ.ʃnəl aɪ.ˈden.tɪ.ti /
/ ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm tə.ˈwɔːdz ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˌɪn.tɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ /
/ ðə ju.ˈnaɪt.ɪd ˈkɪŋ.dəm həz ˈɔːl.weɪz meɪn.ˈteɪnd ə ˈsʌm.wɒt æm.ˈbɪ.və.lənt rɪ.ˈleɪʃn.ʃɪp wɪð ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən prə.ˈdʒekt / frəm ði ˈaʊt.set / ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˌpɒ.lɪ.ˈtɪʃ.n̩z wə dɪ.ˈvaɪ.dɪd ɒn ðə ˈbe.nɪ.fɪts əv ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp / wen ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk kə.ˈmjuː.nɪ.ti /ˌi:.ˌiː.ˈsiː / wəz ɪ.ˈstæ.blɪʃt ɪn ˌnaɪn.ˈtiːn ˈfɪf.ti ˈsev.n̩/ ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ ˈɒp.tɪd tə steɪ ˈaʊt / kriː.ˈeɪt.ɪŋ ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən friː treɪd ə.ˌsəʊ.ʃi.ˈeɪʃ.n̩ / ef.tiː.eɪ / əz ən ɔːl.ˈtɜː.nə.tɪv / ˈɪt wəz ˈəʊn.li ɪn ˌnaɪn.ˈtiːn ˈsevn.ti θriː ðət ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ dʒɔɪnd ði ˌi:.ˌiː.ˈsiː ˈɑːf.tə ˈtuː feɪld ə.ˈtempts / ðə ˌnaɪn.ˈtiːn ˈsevn.ti faɪv ˌre.fə.ˈren.dəm ɒn kən.ˈtɪ.njuːd ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp ˈsɔːr ə mə.ˈdʒɒ.rɪ.ti əv ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈsɪ.tɪ.zənz ˈvəʊt.ɪŋ tə steɪ ɪn ði ˌi:.ˌiː.ˈsiː / bət ˌʌn.də.ˈlaɪ.ɪŋ ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm rɪ.ˈmeɪnd /
/ əz ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən prə.ˈdʒekt ɪ.ˈvɒlvd ˈɪn.tə ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˈjuː.nɪən ənd ɪk.ˈspæn.dɪd ɪts skəʊp / ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm ɡruː / ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ dɪ.ˈsaɪ.dɪd nɒt tə dʒɔɪn ðə ˈjʊə.rəʊ.zəʊn / wɪtʃ wəz ɪ.ˈstæ.blɪʃt ɪn ˌnaɪn.ˈtiːn ˈnaɪn.ti naɪn / ənd meɪn.ˈteɪnd ə ˈsɪə.riːz əv ɒpt ˈaʊts frəm kiː iːˈjuː ˈpɒ.lə.sɪz / ðɪs rɪ.ˈlʌk.təns tə ˈfʊ.li ɪn.ˈɡeɪdʒ wɪð ðə iːˈjuː leɪd ðə ˈɡraʊn.dwɜːk fə ðə ˈbrek.sɪt vəʊt /
/ ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk kən.ˈsɜːnz /
/ ðə ˈɡləʊb.l̩ faɪ.ˈnæn.ʃl̩ ˈkraɪ.sɪs əv ˈtuː ˈθaʊz.n̩d eɪt həd ə prə.ˈfaʊnd ɪm.ˈpækt ɒn ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪɪz ɪˈk.ɒ.nə.mi / ˈliːd.ɪŋ tu ə ˈpɪə.rɪəd əv ɔː.ˈste.rət ənd ˈwaɪd.spred ˌdɪs.kən.ˈtent / ˈmen.i ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈsɪ.tɪ.zənz bɪ.ˈɡæn tə ˈkwes.tʃən ðə ˈbe.nɪ.fɪts əv iːˈjuː ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp / pə.ˈtɪ.kjʊ.lə.li əz ˈɪt pə.ˈteɪnd tə ðə friː ˈmuːv.mənt əv ɡʊdz / ˈsɜː.vɪ.sɪz / ˈkæ.pɪ.təl / ənd ˈpiːp.l̩ / ˈkrɪ.tɪks əv ðə iːˈjuː ˈɑː.ɡjuːd ðət ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈbɪz.nə.sɪz wə ˈhæmp.əd baɪ ˌre.ɡjʊ.ˈleɪʃ.n̩z ə.ˈrɪdʒ.ə.neɪt.ɪŋ frəm ˈbrʌs.l̩z / wɪtʃ ˈstaɪ.fəld ɡrəʊθ ənd rɪ.ˈdjuːst kəm.ˈpe.tə.tɪv.nɪs /
/ mɔː.ˈrəʊ.və / ðə ˈjʊə.rəʊ.zəʊn det ˈkraɪ.sɪs ðət bɪ.ˈɡæn ɪn ˈtuː ˈθaʊz.n̩d naɪn ˈfjuːəld ˈfɜː.ðə kən.ˈsɜːnz / ɔːl.ˈðəʊ ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ wəz nɒt ə ˈmem.bər əv ðə ˈjʊə.rəʊ.zəʊn / ðə ˈkraɪ.sɪs ɪk.ˈspəʊzd ðə ˌvʌl.nə.rə.ˈbɪ.lɪ.tɪz əv ðə ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən prə.ˈdʒekt ənd reɪzd ˈkwes.tʃənz ə.ˈbaʊt ði ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk stə.ˈbɪ.lɪ.ti əv iːˈjuː ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp /
/ ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ənd ˈnæ.ʃnəl aɪ.ˈden.tɪ.ti /
/ wʌn əv ðə kiː ˈɪ.ʃuːz ðət drəʊv ðə ˈbrek.sɪt vəʊt wəz ðə sʌb.ˈdʒekt əv ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ / ðə iːˈjuːɪz ˈprɪn.səp.l̩ əv friː ˈmuːv.mənt ə.ˈlaʊd ˈsɪ.tɪ.zənz əv ˈmem.bə steɪts tə ˈlaɪv ənd ˈwɜːk ˈe.ni.weə wɪð.ˈɪn ðə blɒk / ði ɪk.ˈspæn.ʃn̩ əv ðə iːˈjuː ɪn ˈtuː ˈθaʊz.n̩d fɔː / wɪtʃ ɪn.ˈkluː.dɪd ˈse.vrəl ˈiː.stən ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˈkʌn.trɪz / led tu ən ɪn.ˈkriːs ɪn ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ tə ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ /
/ ˈmen.i ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ ˈsɪ.tɪ.zənz bɪˈk.eɪm kən.ˈsɜːnd ə.ˈbaʊt ði ɪm.ˈpækt əv ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ɒn ˈpʌ.blɪk ˈsɜː.vɪ.sɪz / ɪmˈplo.ɪ.mənt / ənd ˈsəʊʃ.l̩ kəʊ.ˈhiːʒ.n̩ / ðiːz kən.ˈsɜːnz wə ˈæm.plɪ.faɪd baɪ ˈæn.ti ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ˈre.tə.rɪk frəm səm pə.ˈlɪ.tɪk.l̩ ˈpɑː.tɪz ənd ˈmiː.dɪər ˈaʊt.lets / ðə dɪ.ˈzaɪə tə rɪ.ˈɡeɪn kən.ˈtrəʊl ˈəʊv.ə ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪɪz ˈbɔː.dəz ənd ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ˈpɒ.lə.si ˈpleɪd ə sɪɡ.ˈnɪ.fɪkənt rəʊl ɪn ðə ˈbrek.sɪt vəʊt /
/ ðə rəʊl əv ðə ˈmiː.dɪər ənd pə.ˈlɪ.tɪk.l̩ kæm.ˈpeɪnz /
/ ðə ˈmiː.dɪər ənd pə.ˈlɪ.tɪk.l̩ kæm.ˈpeɪnz ˈliːd.ɪŋ ʌp tə ðə ˈbrek.sɪt ˌre.fə.ˈren.dəm ˈɔːls.əʊ ˈpleɪd ə ˈkruːʃ.l̩ rəʊl ɪn ˈʃeɪp.ɪŋ ˈpʌ.blɪk ə.ˈpɪ.nɪən / prəʊ.ˈbrek.sɪt kæm.ˈpeɪnz / sʌtʃ əz vəʊt liːv / ˈfəʊkəst ɒn ˈɪ.ʃuːz əv ˈnæ.ʃnəl ˈsɒ.vrən.ti / ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ / ənd ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk ˌɪn.dɪ.ˈpen.dəns / ˈtæp.ɪŋ ˈɪn.tə ˈlɒŋ stænd.ɪŋ kən.ˈsɜːnz ənd ˌdɪs.ˌsæ.tɪs.ˈfæk.ʃn̩ wɪð ðə iːˈjuː / ɒn ði ˈʌð.ə hænd / ðə rɪ.ˈmeɪn kæm.ˈpeɪn ˈstrʌɡ.l̩d tə kən.ˈveɪ ə klɪər ənd ˈpɒ.zə.tɪv ˈme.sɪdʒ ə.ˈbaʊt ðə ˈbe.nɪ.fɪts əv iːˈjuː ˈmem.bə.ʃɪp /
/ kən.ˈkluːʒ.n̩ /
/ ðə ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ vəʊt fə ˈbrek.sɪt wəz ˈdrɪv.n̩ baɪ ə ˈkɒm.pleks ˈɪn.tə.pleɪ əv hɪ.ˈstɒ.rɪk.l̩ ˈfæk.təz / ɪn.ˈkluːd.ɪŋ ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm tə.ˈwɔːdz ˌjʊə.rə.ˈpɪən ˌɪn.tɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ / ˌiːk.ə.ˈnɒ.mɪk kən.ˈsɜːnz / ənd ˈɪ.ʃuːz rɪ.ˈleɪ.tɪd tu ˌɪ.mɪ.ˈɡreɪʃ.n̩ ənd ˈnæ.ʃnəl aɪ.ˈden.tɪ.ti / ðə rɪ.ˈzʌlt həz həd prə.ˈfaʊnd ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwən.sɪz fə ðə ˌjuːˈk.eɪ / ðə iːˈjuː / ənd ðə ˈbrɔː.dər ˌɪnt.ə.ˈnæʃ.n̩.əl kə.ˈmjuː.nɪ.ti / əz ðə ˈneɪʃ.n̩ kən.ˈtɪ.njuːz tə ˈnæ.vɪ.ɡeɪt ɪts pəʊs.ˈbrek.sɪt ˈfjuː.tʃə / ˈɪt s ˈkruːʃ.l̩ tu ˌʌn.də.ˈstænd ðə hɪ.ˈstɒ.rɪk.l̩ ˈkɒn.tekst ðət ʃeɪpt ðɪs ˈlænd.mɑːk dɪ.ˈsɪʒ.n̩ /
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Brexit - Historical Reasons Comprehension Questions
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