Overview

This bill mandates a referendum in the UK and Gibraltar on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union. The referendum must be held before the end of 2017, with the specific date set by the Secretary of State before the end of 2016, subject to parliamentary approval.

Description

This bill sets out the legal framework for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union. Key aspects include:

Referendum Details

A referendum will be held before December 31, 2017, on the question: "Do you think that the United Kingdom should be a member of the European Union?". The exact date will be determined by the Secretary of State through an order subject to parliamentary approval. The question will also appear in Welsh in Wales.

Eligibility to Vote

Those eligible to vote are UK citizens entitled to vote in parliamentary elections, peers (though disqualified from voting in parliamentary elections), and Commonwealth citizens entitled to vote in European Parliament elections in Gibraltar.

Referendum Conduct

The Electoral Commission will provide recommendations for the rules governing the referendum. The Secretary of State will issue orders based on these recommendations, subject to parliamentary approval. These orders will cover all aspects of the referendum's conduct, potentially extending and adapting existing election and referendum laws.

Gibraltar's Involvement

The bill ensures Gibraltar's participation in the referendum. It allows for the adaptation of UK legislation to be applicable in Gibraltar and permits Gibraltar to create its own legislation relating to the referendum's conduct within its own jurisdiction.

Government Spending

The bill states that any government expenditure related to the referendum, and any increase in existing spending related to this Act, will be funded through money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• UK Citizens: Eligible voters will have the opportunity to express their views on the UK's EU membership.
• Gibraltar Citizens: Eligible voters in Gibraltar will also participate in the referendum.
• The Electoral Commission: Responsible for providing recommendations for the referendum's conduct.
• The Secretary of State: Responsible for setting the date and managing the referendum process.
• UK Parliament: Must approve the referendum date and conduct regulations.
• Political Parties: Will likely engage in campaigning in the lead up to the referendum.

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