It feels like it's never-ending but with the constant back and forth (and with everything, there is to think about in the US right now), we wouldn't blame you for being a little lost. Here's a summary of the top Brexit terms explained:
Looking to have some Brexit terms explained? From the terms and conditions of the withdrawal agreement to the difference between a soft and hard Brexit, we have all the top Brexit terms explained:
What is Brexit?
Image: Getty.
What is the European Union and why does Britain want to leave it?
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political community between 28 member states. It sets many standards and laws that apply to all members, such as the free movement of people and trade.
The UK voted 51.9% in favor to leave the EU in 2016. UK sovereignty, economy, and immigration have been cited as the main factors in the decision to leave.
What is the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement?
Image: RollingNews.ie. 
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement would set out the terms and conditions of UK’s withdrawal from the EU. It would also establish the nature of the future relationship. The current Withdrawal Agreement cannot be agreed on with the question of the Irish backstop causing talks to stall.
What is the backstop?
The current Withdrawal Agreement presented to the EU and UK government includes a 'backstop,' guaranteeing no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic until new trade arrangements are in place.
The 'backstop' is part of the Withdrawal Agreement, designed to prevent a return to a visible Irish border after the UK leaves the EU.
What is a no-deal Brexit?
Image: Getty. 
The event in which Britain leaves the EU without a deal in place.
What is a soft Brexit?
The event in which Britain leaves the EU with a comprehensive agreement which upholds a working relationship and no hard border/customs checks are implemented between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
What is a hard Brexit?
In the case of a "hard Brexit," the UK will leave the EU retaining only some, if any, of their ties, while giving up membership of the EU's single market and its customs union. A hard Brexit would implement hard border with some form of customs checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Who is Boris Johnson?
Boris Johnson. Image: Getty.
Why are US politicians concerned about Brexit?
Congressman Richie Neal with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Image: RollingNews.ie.
The US played an active role in the establishment of the Good Friday Agreement and as a result, is invested in ensuring that it is being upheld.
How is the Irish Government involved in Brexit?
As a member of the EU with close economic and social ties to Britain, Ireland is a key stakeholder in Brexit. A 139-page No Deal Brexit Contingency Action Plan was published in December 2018 in preparation for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The Irish Government remains committed to working with the EU and with the British Government to reach an agreed outcome.
What is the Conservative Party?
Boris Johnson is the leader of the Tories. Image: Getty. 
The Conservative Party, officially the Conservative and Unionist Party, known informally as the Tories, is a center-right political party in the United Kingdom. They are currently in a coalition government with the DUP.
Who are the DUP?
DUP leader Arlene Foster. Image: Getty. 
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is a unionist political party in Northern Ireland. Its current leader is Arlene Foster.
Traditionally supported mainly by Protestants, the DUP are members of a coalition government with the Conservatives.
What is an MP?
A Member of Parliament, MPs are elected at a local level to represent their constituencies in the United Kingdom. They are the equivalent to a Congressperson in the US and a TD in Ireland.
What is Westminster?
Government buildings in London. Image: Getty. 
Westminster is the seat of the UK Government located in London.
What were The Troubles in Northern Ireland?
The Troubles were an extended period of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland that saw over 3,000 people killed and ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Want to know more about Brexit? Let us know which aspect you don't understand in the comments section, below, and we'll gladly create a follow-up explainer.
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