Impact of EU decisions

• 1. Consumer Rights

  • EU laws gave equal consumer rights to all EU citizens.
  • Retailers must show the full cost of products (no hidden fees).
  • Buyers have the right to return goods bought online or by phone.
  • Must give clear information about product quality and safety.
  • Covers digital content too (e.g. games, movies, software).
  • These rights meant UK citizens had more protection when buying across the EU.
• 2. Protecting the Environment

  • EU passed laws to reduce pollution and protect natural areas.
  • Cut sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions (main causes of acid rain).
  • Helped clean up UK beaches and reduce raw sewage in the sea.
  • Created protected areas for wildlife under the Birds Directive.
  • Gave UK cleaner air and water and reduced industrial pollution.
• 3. Free Movement of Citizens

  • EU citizens had the right to live, work, study, or retire in any EU country.
  • UK citizens could move freely to other EU nations — and vice versa.
  • This helped fill job shortages in the UK (e.g. healthcare, farming).
  • Businesses could hire from a wider pool of workers.
  • Boosted the UK economy and gave citizens more personal freedom.
• 4. The Impact of Brexit

  • UK no longer has to follow EU rules on consumer rights or the environment.
  • UK can now:
  • Set its own laws for things like product safety and pollution limits.
  • Create new immigration rules that apply to EU citizens.
  • However:
  • EU citizens may find it harder to live or work in the UK.
  • UK citizens lost the automatic right to move freely across the EU.
  • UK businesses face new trade rules when dealing with the EU.