Overview

This bill mandates a referendum in the UK and Gibraltar on the UK's membership of the European Union before December 31, 2017. The bill sets out the rules for the referendum, including who can vote and how it will be conducted, and makes provision for related government spending.

Description

The bill requires a referendum on the UK's EU membership to be held before December 31, 2017. The exact date will be set by the Secretary of State via an order approved by both Houses of Parliament before December 31, 2016. The question on the ballot paper will be: “Do you think that the United Kingdom should be a member of the European Union?” A Welsh version will also be included.

Who can vote? Those eligible include UK voters eligible to vote in a parliamentary election, peers (who are disqualified from voting in parliamentary elections), and Commonwealth citizens entitled to vote in Gibraltar's European Parliament elections.

Referendum Conduct: The Electoral Commission will provide recommendations for conducting the referendum, and the Secretary of State will create the final rules via parliamentary order. These rules will cover all aspects of the process.

Gibraltar: The bill ensures the referendum also includes Gibraltar. Specific provisions allow for the application of UK election laws to Gibraltar with appropriate modifications, without affecting Gibraltar's own legislative capacity.

Government Spending

The bill states that all expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State as a result of the Act, and any increases in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid from public funds. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: All UK citizens eligible to vote in parliamentary elections will have the right to vote in this referendum, influencing the UK's future relationship with the EU.
• Peers: Despite being disqualified from parliamentary elections, peers are granted the right to vote in this specific referendum.
• Commonwealth Citizens in Gibraltar: Commonwealth citizens who can vote in Gibraltar's European Parliament elections are also eligible.
• The UK Government: Responsible for organizing and funding the referendum, potentially incurring significant costs.
• The Electoral Commission: Responsible for advising on the conduct of the referendum.
• Gibraltar: Included in the referendum, with specific legislative provisions to facilitate its participation.

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