Brexit
On 23 June 2016, a United Kingdom (UK) referendum resulted in a 51.9% to 48.1% decision to leave the European Union (EU). The process of leaving the EU has been described as ‘Brexit’.
Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon was triggered in March 2017, signifying the start of two years of talks to agree the terms of the exit. The triggering of Article 50, meant the UK was scheduled to leave the EU by the end of March 2019. However, this was subsequently delayed a number of times.
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, entering transition arrangements pending the agreement of a trade deal.
A Trade and Cooperation Agreement was agreed on 24 December 2020. For more information see: Trade And Cooperation Agreement Between The European Union And The United Kingdom
There are a number of detailed articles about Brexit on Designing Buildings:
- Architects' Brexit statement.
- BBA becomes an Approved Body for UKCA Marking.
- Brexit and UK research into cultural heritage.
- Brexit standards, products and regulatory updates.
- Brexit still unclear for some in engineering services sector.
- Brexit - the case for infrastructure.
- Brexit Topic Guide.
- BSRIA Brexit survey 2018.
- BSRIA Brexit white paper.
- BSRIA response to Brexit speech.
- BSRIA response to Brexit white paper.
- Building to higher standards post-Brexit.
- Can the heritage of Europe help to integrate the UK.
- CLC publishes Conformity Marking of Construction Guide.
- Compensation events and Brexit.
- Construction industry Brexit manifesto.
- Construction industry outlook on the upswing.
- Construction Products Regulation if there is no Brexit deal.
- Heritage and Brexit.
- Home thoughts from abroad: Immigration.
- HVAC and smart energy post-Brexit.
- Overcoming the challenges of Brexit.
- Post brexit, house building and construction remains a safe sustainable industry.
- Post-Brexit vision for construction.
- Safeguarding infrastructure post-Brexit.
- Skills shortage and Brexit.
- The commercial implications of Brexit.
- Trade And Cooperation Agreement Between The European Union And The United Kingdom.
- UK Brexit transition and uncertainty for the heating industry.
- What does Brexit mean for construction?
- Will Brexit shake UK construction?
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.