Subjects: EU and International Affairs | Parliament and Government

Author(s): Damon Davies, Iain McIver, Rebecca Bartlett, Andrew Aiton

This briefing sets out key events since the EU referendum on 23 June 2016. It particularly focusses on the Scottish Parliament's engagement and scrutiny with the withdrawal process. The briefing also provides links to key documents published by the administrations and legislatures of the EU, UK and Scotland.

Published: 14 December 2018

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Executive Summary

This briefing provides a timeline of key events sine the EU referendum on 23 June 2016. It focusses on the Scottish Parliament's engagement and scrutiny of the withdrawal process.

This timeline does not include all scrutiny and engagement conducted by the UK Parliament. It can be viewed as an accompaniment to the House of Commons Library Brexit timeline briefing which provides a more comprehensive list of events with particular focus on the process of withdrawal in the UK parliament.

Hyperlinks to further information are available in the electronic version of this briefing.

The key events listed in this timeline can be identified using the icons defined in the key below:

Referendum - General Election

Key events

23 June 2016: UK holds referendum on its membership of the EU, with the majority of voters choosing to leave the EU (51.9% of the vote versus 48.1% voting to remain). In Scotland, 62% voted to remain versus 38% to leave.

24 June 2016: Prime Minister David Cameron announces his intention to resign.

13 July 2016: Theresa May becomes the new UK Prime Minister

20 December 2016: The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's Place in Europe setting out the Scottish Government's proposals in relation to the UK's exit from the EU.

17 January 2017: Prime Minister gives her Lancaster House speech, setting out the Government's ‘Plan for Britain’ and the priorities that the UK will use to negotiate Brexit.

24 January 2017: Supreme Court rejects the Government's appeal of the Gina Miller case.

26 January 2017: UK Government publishes European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.

2 February 2017: UK Government publishes its Brexit White Paper, formally setting out its strategy for the UK to leave the EU.

7 February 2017: The Scottish Parliament votes in favour of a motion rejecting the decision of the UK Government to trigger the process for withdrawal from the EU.

16 March 2017: European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act received Royal Assent.

29 March 2017: Prime Minister triggers Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union notifying the European Council of the UK's intention to leave the EU and starting the two-year negotiating process.

30 March 2017: UK Government publishes the Great Repeal Bill White Paper.

18 April 2017: Prime Minister calls a General Election – to be held on 8 June 2017.


23 June 2016		UK holds referendum on its membership of the EU, with the majority of voters choosing to leave the EU (51.9% of the vote versus 48.1% voting to remain). In Scotland, 62% voted to remain versus 38% to leave.
24 June 2016		Prime Minister David Cameron announces his intention to resign.
28 June 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications for Scotland of the EU Referendum result.
13 July 2016		Theresa May becomes the new UK Prime Minister.
14 September 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum result.
20 September 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates "Scotland’s economy, responding to the EU Referendum".
27 September 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates "securing the interests of Scotland’s rural economy following the EU Referendum."
4 October 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum result for higher and further education.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes commissioned research by Prof. Alan Page from Dundee University on the implications of EU withdrawal for the devolution settlement.
6 October 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes commissioned research by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde on the long-term economic implications of Brexit.
13, 17-18 October 2016		The High Court hears the Gina Miller case: judicial review proceedings challenging the legality of the UK Government's proposed use of prerogative powers to give notice of intention to leave the EU under Article 50.
24 October 2016		Theresa May chairs her first Joint Ministerial Committee meeting with Devolved Administration leaders. Exiting the EU is a a major theme of the meeting.
27 October 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum result for the environment and climate change.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, UK Secretary of State for Scotland.
1 November 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum for justice and security.The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
3 November 2016		The Equalities and Human Rights Committee begins an inquiry into the implications of Brexit for equalities and human rights in Scotland.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland.The High Court gives its judgement in R (Gina Miller & Dos Santos) v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.The Court finds in favour of the claimants and 9 Commons Library Briefing, 7 November 2018 rules the Government cannot, according to the UK's constitutional law, use prerogative powers to give the notice required by Article 50 TEU to withdraw from the European Union.The Government says it will appeal against the decision and is granted permission to “leapfrog” the Court of Appeal and go directly to the Supreme Court.
5 November 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum for the Single Market and trade.
8 November 2016		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
15 November 2016		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
17 November 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland.
22 November 2016		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
24 November 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland.
29 November 2016		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of the EU Referendum for culture, creative industries and tourism.The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence on the economic impact of leaving the European Union from Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work.
1 December 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland from Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work.
8 December 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence in a roundtable format on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland.
15 December 2016		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence in a roundtable format on the implications of the EU Referendum result for Scotland.
20 December 2016		The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's Place in Europe setting out the Scottish Government's proposals in relation to the UK's exit from the EU.
10 January 2017		The Scottish Parliament debates the implications of withdrawal from the EU for protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
17 January 2017		The Prime Minister gives her Lancaster House speech, setting out the Government’s ‘Plan for Britain’ and the priorities that the UK will use to negotiate Brexit.The Scottish Parliament debates Scotland's future relationship with the European Union.
19 January 2017		The Prime Minister delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, setting out the Government's plans for Brexit and a Global Britain.
20 January 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes its report; Brexit - What Scotland thinks: summary of evidence and emerging issues.
24 January 2017:		The Supreme Court rejects (by a majority of 8 to 3) the Government's appeal against the November 2016 High Court ruling and states that Ministers “require the authority of primary legislation” in order to give the Article 50 notice. On the devolution questions raised, the Court unanimously holds that the UK Parliament is not legally required to seek consent for the triggering of Article 50 from the devolved legislatures
26 January 2017		The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the European Union Referendum (Implications for Scotland).The UK Government publishes the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill - a draft Bill that will allow the UK to start the process of leaving the EU.
2 February 2017		The UK Government publishes a White Paper on the UK's exit from and new partnership with the EU.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the EU referendum and its implications for Scotland.
3 February 2017		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee publishes its report on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
6 February 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes its report on EU Migration and EU Citizens’ Rights.
7 February 2017		The Scottish Parliament debates withdrawal from the European Union (Article 50).
9 February 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the EU referendum and its implications for Scotland.
22 February 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the EU referendum and its implications for Scotland.
28 February 2017		The Scottish Parliament debates the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee's report on the economic impact of leaving the European Union.
5 March 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes its report on determining Scotland’s future relationship with the European Union.
13 March 2017		The UK Parliament passes the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.
14 March 2017		The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee begins an inquiry on the environmental implications for Scotland of the UK leaving the EU.
15 March 2017		The Scottish Parliament debates the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee's reports on the implications of the European Union referendum for Scotland.The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU referendum.
22 March 2017		The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU referendum.
29 March 2017		UK Prime Minister Theresa May notifies the European Council President of the UK's intention to leave the European Union. The two year countdown to departure begins.
30 March 2017		The UK Government publishes a White Paper on legislating for the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
31 March 2017		The European Council publishes draft guidelines providing details on its core principles for negotiating the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
5 April 2017		The European Parliament agrees a resolution setting out the European Parliament's policy position ahead of the start of Brexit negotiations.
19 April 2017		UK Prime Minister Theresa May announces her intention to hold a General Election on the 8 June 2017.The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications of the EU referendum from Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity and Mike Russell, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
24 April 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes commissioned research by Dr. Eve Hepburn, Centre on Constitutional Change, University of Edinburgh, on options for differentiating the UK's immigration system.
25 April 2017		The Culture, Tourism and External Relations Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on the implications of Brexit for equalities and human rights.
27 April 2017		The Equality and Human Rights Committee takes evidence on the implications for equalities and human rights in Scotland of the UK's decision to leave the European Union.
29 April 2017		EU 27 leaders unanimously adopt Brexit negotiating guidelines. Final guidelines. The European Commission Brexit negotiating taskforce. The UK Government publishes a ‘Northern Ireland and Ireland Position Paper’, outlining the UK's position on how to address the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland and Ireland in light of the UK's withdrawal from – and new partnership with – the EU
11 May 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
17 May 2017		European Council President Donald Tusk addresses the European Parliament on the outcome of the European Council meeting of the 29 April.
22 May 2017		EU General Affairs Council authorises the opening of negotiations and adopts a negotiating mandate for the European Commission. The Council also agrees guiding principles for transparency in negotiations.
29 May 2017		The European Commission's Brexit taskforce publishes two draft position papers on citizens' rights and the financial settlement for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Position paper on Citizens' Rights. Position paper on the Financial Settlement.

General Election - close of Phase 1 negotiations

Key events

8 June 2017: General Election results in a hung Parliament, with the Conservatives winning the most seats and Theresa May forming a government.

19 June 2017: First round of UK-EU exit negotiations begin.

21 June 2017: State Opening of Parliament – Queen’s Speech includes a ‘Great Repeal Bill’.

27 June 2017: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the EU negotiations and Scotland's future.

13 July 2017: The UK Government introduces the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, commonly referred to as the ‘Great Repeal Bill’.

12 September 2017: EU Withdrawal Bill passes Second Reading in the House of Commons. The Scottish Government publishes its Legislative Consent Memorandum for the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.

22 September 2017: Prime Minister delivers her key Brexit speech in Florence, setting out the UK’s position on moving the Brexit talks forward.

19-20 October 2017: European Council meeting to assess progress on the first phase of Brexit negotiations.

25 October 2017: The Scottish Parliament debates the negotiations on withdrawal from the European Union.

13 November 2017: The UK Government outlines plans for a Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill.

8 December 2017: UK and EU publish a Joint Report on progress made during Phase 1 of negotiations. This concludes Phase 1 of negotiations and both sides move to Phase 2.


8 June 2017		UK General Election. The 2017 UK General Election results in a hung parliament, with no party winning an overall majority. The Conservative Party wins the largest number of seats and votes, taking 317 seats and 42.3% of the vote. House of Commons Library election results report.
14 June 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the implications for devolution settlement of UK common frameworks. The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's Place in Europe: security, judicial co-operation and law enforcement.
19 - 22 June 2017		Negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from the EU formally begin. Michel Barnier, the EU Chief Negotiator, and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union launch the first round of negotiations in Brussels.The UK and the European Commission, representing the EU, agree the Terms of Reference for the Article 50 negotiations between the UK and the EU. UK Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement. EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier's closing statement.
21 June 2017		Her Majesty The Queen delivers the 2017 Queen’s Speech in the Houses of Parliament. The Speech sets out the government's agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation including the Great Repeal Bill.The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on Brexit and legislative consent.
26 June 2017		The Home Office publishes a policy paper on the rights of EU Citizens Living in the UK and UK Nationals Living in the EU. Rights of EU Citizens factsheet.
27 June 2017		First Minister Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the European negotiations and Scotland's future.
28 June 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on Brexit from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
13 July 2017		The UK Government introduces the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill to Parliament.Ahead of the second round of exit negotiations the following week, the EU Commission and UK Government also publish position papers laying out negotiating approaches.The European Commission publishes: Position paper on Nuclear Materials and Safeguard Equipment (Euratom). Position paper on Goods placed on the Market under Union law before the withdrawal date. Position paper on Issues relating to the Functioning of the Union Institutions, Agencies and Bodies. Position paper on Ongoing Union Judicial and Administrative Procedures. Position paper on Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial matters. Position paper on Governance. Position paper on Ongoing Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal matters. The UK Government publishes a series of Brexit position papers: Position paper on privileges and immunities. Position paper on Nuclear materials and safeguards issues. Position paper on Ongoing Union judicial and administrative proceedings. The UK Government also publishes a technical note considering how the UK’s withdrawal agreement with the EU should be implemented in UK law.
17 July 2017		The Scottish Government responds to the UK Government's position paper on citizens' rights. UK Government Position Paper on citizen's rights. Scottish Government position paper on protecting the rights of EU citizens.
17 - 20 July 2017		Second round of UK-EU negotiations continue on the three key issues of citizens' rights, the financial settlement and the island of Ireland. UK Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement. EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier's closing statement. Terms of reference for Article 50 negotiations
19 July 2017		House of Lords EU Committee publishes its inquiry report on Brexit and Devolution. The report addresses specific constitutional issues arising from Brexit for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland both individually and collectively.
15 August 2017		The UK Government sets out proposals for a future customs relationship with the EU.
16 August 2017		The UK Government publishes a position paper on Northern Ireland and Ireland.
21 August 2017		The UK Government publishes two position papers: Position paper on confidentiality and access to documents. Position paper on continuity in the availability of goods for the EU and the UK.
22 August 2017		UK Government publishes a position paper on cross-border civil judicial cooperation in the future partnership between the EU and the UK.
23 August 2017		The UK Government publishes a future partnership paper on enforcement and dispute resolution after Brexit.
24 August 2017		The UK Government publish a future partnership paper on the exchange and protection of personal data after Brexit.
28 - 31 August 2017		The third round of negotiations begin focussing on citizens' rights and the financial settlement. Discussions also included the issues of the Irish border, governance and other separation issues. UK Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement. EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier's closing statement.
6 September 2017		UK Government publishes a position paper on collaboration on science and innovation in the future partnership between the EU and the UK.
7 September 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence for its Article 50 inquiry from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
12 September 2017		The EU Withdrawal Bill passes its Second Reading.The UK Government publishes a future partnership paper on foreign policy, defence and development.The Scottish Government publishes its Legislative Consent Memorandum for the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.
14 September 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on EU withdrawal negotiations.
18 September 2017		The UK Government publish a future partnership paper on security, law enforcement and criminal justice.
20 September 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
21 September 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on EU withdrawal negotiations and citizens' rights.
22 September 2017		The Prime Minister delivers a key Brexit speech in Florence, setting out the UK's position on how to move the Brexit talks forward and proposing a transition period after the UK formally leaves the EU in March 2019.
25 - 28 September 2017		The fourth round of UK-EU negotiations begins. A joint technical note on citizens' rights is published. Further discussions on the island of Ireland and the financial settlement also take place. Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement.
26 September 2017		The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee takes evidence on the delegated powers in the EU Withdrawal Bill.
27 September 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee begins its inquiry into the impact of Brexit on the Scottish budget.
28 September 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on citizens' rights.
3 October 2017		The European Parliament adopts a Resolution on the state of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom.
4 October 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill from Prof. Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Welsh Government).
5 October 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on EU withdrawal negotiations from Lord Kerr of Kinlochard.
9 October 2017		The UK Government publishes two white papers: Preparing for our future UK trade policy Customs Bill: legislating for the UK's future customs, VAT and excise regimes
9-12 October 2017		The fifth round of UK-EU negotiations begin. Negotiations on citizens' rights, the financial settlement and the island of Ireland continue. UK Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement. EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier's closing statement.
19-20 October 2017		European Council meeting, including the EU27 considering whether ‘sufficient progress’ has been made on Phase 1 of the Brexit negotiations
24 October 2017		The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe
25 October 2017		The Scottish Parliament debates the negotiations on withdrawal from the European Union. The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill.
1 November 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill.
2 November 2017		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland on the EU Withdrawal Negotiations.
7 November 2017		The UK Government sets out further details of how its new settled status scheme for EU citizens and their families will work. The scheme is set out in a policy paper sent to the European Commission as part of the Brexit negotiations: Citizens' rights: administrative procedures in the UK.
8 November 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill from David Mundell, UK Secretary of State for Scotland. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the EU Withdrawal Bill.
9 - 10 November 2017		Round six of UK-EU Negotiations begins. Negotiations on citizens' rights, the financial settlement and the island of Ireland continue. UK Secretary of State David Davis' closing statement. EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier's closing statement.
13 November 2017		The UK Government announces a new Bill to enshrine the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU in domestic law. In a statement to the House of Commons, David Davis outlines plans for a Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill.The Prime Minister chairs a roundtable with leaders of Europe's key business organisations, to discuss shared opportunities for industry as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
15 November 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.
17 November 2017		The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee publishes its report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.
28 November 2017		The Scottish Government publishes a report by the National Council of Rural Advisers on the potential implications for rural Scotland of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union
29 November 2017		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on the implications of the EU referendum from Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity and Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
30 November 2017		The Equalities and Human Rights Committee takes evidence on the implications of Brexit for equalities and human rights.
8 December 2017		The UK and EU publish a Joint Report on progress during Phase 1 of negotiations under Article 50 on the UK's orderly withdrawal from the EU. This concludes Phase 1 of the negotiations and both sides agree to move to Phase 2 in January 2018 – talks on transition and the framework for future EU-UK relations.

Close of Phase 1 - EU (Withdrawal) Act becomes law

Key events

11 December 2017: The Prime Minister updates Parliament on Brexit negotiations.

18 January 2018: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill has its First Reading in the House of Lords.

27 February 2018: The Scottish Government introduce the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.

2 March 2018: The Prime Minister gives a speech at Mansion House on the UK’s future economic partnership with the European Union.

14 March 2018: The European Parliament endorses a resolution laying out a possible association agreement framework for future EU-UK relations after Brexit.

21 March 2018: The Scottish Parliament votes to pass the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.

19 March 2018: The amended Draft Withdrawal Agreement is published.

17 April 2018: The UK Government refers devolved Brexit legislation to the Supreme Court.

16 May 2018: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill finishes its House of Lords stages and goes into parliamentary ping pong.

26 June 2018: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament: the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.


11 December 2017		The Prime Minister updates the House of Commons on Brexit Negotiations for the UK’s departure from the European Union.
15 December 2017		The European Council adopts new guidelines for Phase 2 (the guidelines agreed on 29 April 2017 will continue to apply in Phase 2.)
20 December 2017		The European Commission publishes a recommendation for additional transitional period draft negotiating directives. The Annex attached to the Recommendation provides details of the Commission’s proposed position in relation to negotiations of the transitional period.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee publishes commissioned research by Dr Tobias Lock of the University of Edinburgh Law School on the legal and political process for agreeing the future relationship between the EU and the UK and any transitional agreement.
9 January 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates evidence gathered by the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee Article 50 Inquiry. The Finance and Constitution Committee publishes its interim report on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill Legislative Consent Memorandum.
11 January 2018		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on Erasmus+.
15 January 2018		The Scottish Government publish its latest Brexit analysis paper - Scotland's place in Europe: people, jobs and investment.
23 January 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates the Finance & Constitution Committee's Interim Report on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill Legislative Consent Memorandum.The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee takes evidence on environmental implications for Scotland of the UK leaving the EU.
26 January 2018		Rt Hon David Davis MP, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union delivers a speech setting out the UK Government's position regarding the transitional period.
29 January 2018		The European Commission's new negotiating directives are adopted by the General Affairs (Article 50) Council. The Council notes the importance of translating the commitments in the December 2017 Joint Report into ‘legal text’.
30 January 2018		The Justice Committee takes evidence on Brexit and family law.
6-8 February 2018		The seventh round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations takes place.
7 February 2018		The European Commission publishes an amendable draft legal text on transition. This partially reflects the January 2018 negotiation directives on the transition period. It is a Commission proposal and not yet the official position of the Council, which may amend it.
8 February 2018		The UK Government publishes a Technical Note outlining the UK’s position on international agreements during the implementation period.
17 February 2018		The Prime Minister delivers a speech about Brexit and security cooperation at the Munich Security Conference.
19-20 February 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations take place.
20 February 2018		Rt Hon David Davis MP, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union delivers a speech in Vienna setting out the UK Government's position regarding a future economic partnership with the European Union.
21 February 2018		The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications for Scotland of the UK leaving the EU for Agriculture and Fisheries.The UK Government responds to the European Commission's legal text on transition in a Draft text for discussion: implementation period.
26-27 February 2018		Another round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations takes place.
27 February 2018		The Scottish Government introduce the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill. The Parliament agrees to treat the Bill as an Emergency Bill.
28 February 2018		The European Commission publishes the draft withdrawal agreement setting out the arrangements for the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and from the European Atomic Energy Community.
1 March 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates the general principles of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
2 March 2018		Prime Minster Theresa May delivers a speech at Mansion House on the the UK's future economic partnership with the European Union. The Prime Minister set out the five tests she said would guide the UK’s negotiations with the EU.
5-7 March 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations
6 March 2018		The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.The Health and Sport Committee takes evidence on the Impact of leaving the European Union on health and social care in Scotland.
7 March 2018		The European Commission publish draft negotiating guidelines for the future relationship between the EU and the UK after Brexit.The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
8 March 2018		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.The Equality and Human Rights Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill regarding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
13-15 March 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 Negotiations.
13 March 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill prior to Stage 2. The Finance and Constitution Committee considers Stage 2 amendments of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.The Health and Sport Committee takes evidence on the Impact of leaving the European Union on health and social care in Scotland.
14 March 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee considers Stage 2 amendments of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.The European Parliament endorses a resolution laying out a possible association agreement framework for future EU-UK relations after Brexit.The First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, along with representatives from the Northern Ireland Civil Service, visit Downing Street for an update and discussion on EU negotiations and the EU Withdrawal Bill.
15 March 2018		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on the UK's future trade policy.The Equality and Human Rights Committee takes evidence on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill regarding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
16-19 March 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations. Statement by Rt Hon David Davis MP following the negotiations.
19 March 2018		The amended Draft Withdrawal Agreement is published. This includes agreed legal text for the implementation period, citizens’ rights, and the financial settlement.
20 March 2018		The Environment, Climate Change an Land Reform Committee takes evidence on the Environmental implications for Scotland of the UK leaving the EU from Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform and Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.The Health and Sport Committee takes evidence on the impact of leaving the European Union on health and social care from Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport.
21 March 2018		The Scottish Parliament votes to pass the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
23 March 2018		The European Council (in EU27 format) adopt guidelines on the framework for post-Brexit relations with the UK.
29 March 2018		The Scottish Government publishes Brexit: Protecting What Matters.
16-18 April 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
17 April 2018		The UK Government refers devolved Brexit legislation to the Supreme Court. The UK Government asks for a ruling on whether the Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill, and the Law Derived from the European Union (Wales) Bill is constitutional, and properly within devolved legislative powers.
26 April 2018		The Scottish Government publish a supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum outlining reasons why the Scottish Government does not support amendments to the European Union Withdrawal Bill.
1 May 2018		The Environment, Climate Change an Land Reform Committee takes evidence on its Inquiry into EU environmental and animal welfare principles. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee takes evidence on a supplementary legislative consent memorandum for the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
2 May 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill from Michael Russell MSP, the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe and officials.
3 May 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, UK Secretary of State for Scotland and Chloe Smith MP, UK Minister for the Constitution.The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee takes evidence on UK Common Frameworks after Brexit from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh.The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee considers a draft report on a supplementary legislative consent memorandum LCM-S5-10 on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.
8 May 2018		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on European Structural and Investment Funds.The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee takes evidence for its inquiry into EU environmental and animal welfare principles from Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.
10 May 2018		The Culture, Tourism and External Relations Committee takes evidence on Article 50 Negotiations from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, UK Secretary of State for Scotland and Robin Walker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Exiting the European Union, UK Government.
15 May 2018		The Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee takes evidence for its inquiry on European Structural and Investment Funds.The Scottish Parliament debates the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.
22-24 May 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
23 May 2018		UK Government publishes further Brexit policy papers: Framework for the UK-EU Partnership Data Protection. Framework for the UK-EU Partnership Science, Research and Innovation.
24 May 2018		UK Government publishes technical notes and policy papers: Technical note on the UK's participation in Galileo. Technical note on security, law enforcement and criminal justice. Framework for the UK-EU Economic Partnership. Technical note on consultation and cooperation on external security.
5-8 June 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
6 June 2018		The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications of the outcome of the EU Referendum for Scotland from Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
13 June 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence in a roundtable on funding of EU competences.
14 June 2018		The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's Place in Europe: security, judicial co-operation and law enforcement.
19-20 June 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
19 June 2018		The UK Government and EU negotiators provide an update on progress of negotiations on the draft agreement on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community.Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe makes a Ministerial Statement on progress in EU exit negotiations.

EU (Withdrawal) Act becomes law - December European Council

Key events

26 June 2018: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament: the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.

6 July 2018: The Cabinet meets at Chequers to agree a collective position for the future Brexit negotiations with the EU.

9 July 2018: David Davis resigns as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and is replaced by Dominic Raab.

24 July 2018: The UK Government publishes White Paper on future UK-EU relations.

23 August 2018: The UK Government publishes the first collection of technical notices providing guidance on how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

19-20 September 2018: EU leaders hold an informal summit in Salzburg.

15 October 2018: The Scottish Government publishes a paper setting out its position on the UK Government's Chequers proposals.

29 October 2018: Budget Day, the last UK Budget before the UK leaves the EU.

15 November 2018: Scottish Government Ministerial Statement on the proposed UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.

25 November 2018: EU leaders endorse the withdrawal agreement at a special meeting of the European Council.

5 December 2018: The Scottish Parliament votes against the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration.

10 December 2018: The European Court of Justice rules that the UK can unilaterally revoke its Article 50 notification.

13 December 2018: The Supreme Court publishes its ruling on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.


26 June 2018		The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of Parliament: the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.
27 June 2018		The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee takes evidence on the implications for Scotland of the UK's departure from the EU from Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government.The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee takes evidence on the implications for Scotland of the UK's departure from the EU from Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
28-29 June 2018		European Council meeting. On the final day, EU leaders discuss Brexit in an EU27 format.The Conclusions adopted by the European Council are published.
6 July 2018		The UK Government Cabinet meets at Chequers to agree a collective position for the future Brexit negotiations with the EU. The proposals will be published as a White Paper the following week.
9 July 2018		David Davis resigns as Brexit Secretary.Dominic Raab is appointed as the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in the House of Commons setting out new proposals agreed at Chequers for the Brexit negotiations.
12 July 2018		The UK Government publishes a Brexit White Paper on the future relationship between the UK and the European Union.
16-19 July 2018		Further UK-EU Negotiations between the UK and EU focussing on the future relationship with the EU, the Island of Ireland and the withdrawal agreement.
24-26 July 2018		Further UK-EU Negotiations between the UK and EU focussing on the future relationship with the EU, the Island of Ireland and the withdrawal agreement. Closing statement by Dominic Raab.
16-17 August 2018		Further UK-EU Negotiations between the UK and EU focussing on the future relationship with the EU and the withdrawal agreement.
21-22 August 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
23 August 2018		The UK Government publishes 25 technical notes providing guidance to businesses and citizens to understand what they would need to do in a ‘no deal’ scenario, so they can make informed plans and preparations.
29-31 August 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
5-6 September 2018		Further UK-EU Article 50 negotiations.
5 September 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the UK Trade Bill from George Hollingbery MP, Minister of State for Trade Policy and then from Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations.
6 September 2018		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee takes evidence on Article 50 withdrawal negotiations from Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations.The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, UK Secretary of State for Scotland.The Justice Committee takes evidence on the impact of Brexit on the civil and criminal justice systems and policing in Scotland from Rt Hon David Mundell MP, UK Secretary of State for Scotland.
11 September 2018		Scottish Government Ministerial Statement. The Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations provides a statement to the Parliament on the Scottish Government's preparations for the UK's exit from the EU.The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee takes evidence for its inquiry into European Structural and Investment Funds from Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation.The Justice Committee takes evidence on the impact of Brexit on the civil and criminal justice systems and policing in Scotland from Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Officials, Rt Hon James Wolffe QC, Lord Advocate and Helen Nisbet, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
12 September 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (UK Parliament Legislation) from Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Business and Constitutional Relations.
13 September 2018		The UK Government publishes a second batch of technical notes providing guidance to businesses and citizens to understand what they would need to do in a ‘no deal’ scenario, so they can make informed plans and preparations. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee begins considering secondary legislation stemming from the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
21 September 2018		Prime Minister Theresa May gives an update on the Brexit negotiations.
24 September 2018		The UK Government publishes a further 24 technical notices, providing guidance on how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
25 September 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates Scotland's Role in the Development of Future UK Trade Arrangements.
26 September 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates the impact of leaving the European Atomic Energy Community.
15 October 2018		The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's place in Europe: our way forward setting out its position on the UK Government's Chequers proposals.Theresa May gives a Statement to the House of Commons on EU Exit negotiations. Later, the Prime Minister meets First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss the final stage of negotiations with the EU
17 October 2018		The European Council meets in an EU27 (Article 50) format to discuss Brexit. EU27 leaders reaffirm their full confidence in Michel Barnier and note that not enough progress has been achieved in the negotiations.
24 October 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence in a roundtable on UK Common Frameworks.
25 October 2018		Ministerial Statement. Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament outlining the Scottish Government's position on the Brexit negotiations.
5 November 2018		The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's Place in Europe: science and research.
7 November 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates the impact of Brexit on Scotland's international science and research.
14 November 2018		The UK Government and the EU reach a draft agreement on withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
15 November 2018		Ministerial Statement. Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations provides an update to the Scottish Parliament on the proposed UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement.
21 November 2018		The Finance and Constitution Committee takes evidence on the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement from Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations.
25 November 2018		EU leaders endorse the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union at a special meeting of the European Council. At the same time, a Political Declaration on the future relationship was also endorsed.
27 November 2018		The Scottish Government publishes Scotland's place in Europe: assessment of UK Government's proposed future relationship with the EU.
29 November 2018		The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee takes evidence in a roundtable on Article 50 preparedness.
4 December 2018		The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee takes evidence on EU exit and the environment from Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform and Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity.
5 December 2018		The Scottish Parliament debates Scotland's response to the UK Government and the EU's Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration and votes in favour of a motion rejecting the proposed deal.
10 December 2018		In the case Wightman and Others v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, the European Court of Justice rules that the UK can unilaterally revoke its Article 50 notification on withdrawal from the EU.
11 December 2018		Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations responds to a Topical Question taken in the Chamber on the Scottish Government's response to the ruling by the European Court of Justice that the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50.
13 December 2018		The Supreme Court publishes its ruling on the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill. The Lord Advocate also made a statement on the ruling to the Parliament.
13-14 December		Prime Minister Theresa May attends the December European Council meeting, seeking further assurances over the backstop. A special meeting of the European Council on Article 50 is also held resulting in its Council Conclusions.