LONDON—The deadline for the UK to leave the EU is fast approaching, continuing a whirlwind in British politics since Brexit was voted on three years ago. Here’s a recap of some key Brexit dates.
June 2016: The UK voted to leave the EU, 52 to 48. David Cameron, who campaigned to stay in the EU, immediately resigned as prime minister after the vote.
July 2016: Theresa May became prime minister.
March 2017: Theresa May triggered a piece of law called “Article 50” formally starting the process of the UK leaving the EU by March 29, 2019.
June 2017: The UK and the EU began Brexit negotiations.
March 20, 2019: Theresa May asked the EU for an extension until the end of June 2019. The following day, EU leaders agreed to grant an extension, with two possible dates: April 12, 2019 if the House of Commons agreed on a Brexit deal, and May 22 if the House of Commons didn’t approve a Brexit deal.
March 29, 2019: Lawmakers rejected Theresa May’s Brexit deal for the third time.
April 10, 2019: The EU and the UK agreed to extend the Brexit deadline to Oct. 31, 2019.
June 2019: Theresa May resigned.
July 2019: Boris Johnson became prime minister, promising he will take the UK out of the EU, with or without a deal.
Sept. 9, 2019: The so-called Benn Act becomes law, forcing Johnson to request an extension if lawmakers have not agreed on a Brexit deal or a no-deal by Oct. 19.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists the UK will leave the EU by Oct. 31.
