Overview

This bill mandates a referendum on the UK and Gibraltar's proposed exit package from the European Union before Article 50 is triggered. The referendum would allow citizens to either approve the government's proposed exit plan or opt to remain in the EU.

Description

The bill compels the Secretary of State to present a detailed statement to Parliament outlining the proposed exit package. This statement must include specifics on: access to the single market; tariffs on goods and services; proposed trade agreements with the EU; the status of EU-guaranteed rights (labor, health and safety, consumer rights, and environmental standards); the status of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU post-Brexit; and the government's internal estimates of the economic impact (balance of trade, GDP, and unemployment).

A referendum will then be held to determine whether the UK should approve the proposed exit package or remain in the EU. The Secretary of State will set the date for the referendum, subject to specific restrictions outlined in the bill. The ballot paper will clearly present both options: "Support the Government’s proposed exit package" and "Remain a member of the European Union". The bill also specifies that Article 50 cannot be triggered until after the referendum's results are declared. The specifics of the referendum itself will largely follow the process used in the 2016 referendum, unless substantial differences are deemed necessary by the Electoral Commission.

Government Spending

The bill states that all expenditure incurred by the Minister under this Act, and any increases in spending under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid from money provided by Parliament. Any increase in revenue to the Consolidated Fund resulting from this Act will be paid into the fund. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: Will be directly affected by the outcome of the referendum, impacting their rights, living standards, and economic prospects.
• EU Citizens in the UK: Their residency rights and future status will be determined by the chosen outcome of the referendum.
• UK Citizens in the EU: Their rights and future status are similarly impacted by the referendum's outcome.
• Businesses: Will experience economic effects depending on the referendum's decision and the subsequent trade deals or lack thereof with the EU.
• Parliament: Has a significant role in scrutinizing the proposed exit package and the referendum process.
• Government: Responsible for implementing the bill, negotiating the exit terms, and carrying out the referendum.

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