What is defined as a 'hard Brexit'?

A 'hard Brexit' is typically defined as leaving the European Union (EU) while ending not only membership but also significant ties, such as participation in the single market. By transitioning out of the single market, the UK would effectively be choosing to exit not just the political union but also the economic framework that allows for free movement of goods, services, capital, and people between EU member states.

Leaving the single market is a hallmark of a hard Brexit because it represents a fundamental shift in trade and economic relations. This can lead to new trade barriers and a departure from established regulations, which significantly impacts businesses and citizens alike. The choice represents a more complete form of separation from the EU, as opposed to partial alignments or agreements.

The other choices refer either to leaving without a deal, which can happen under a hard Brexit scenario but doesn't exclusively define it, or to maintaining some level of involvement with the EU, which would categorize those scenarios as softer approaches to Brexit.