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
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.