Overview

This bill mandates a referendum in the UK and Gibraltar on whether to accept the outcome of Brexit negotiations between the UK government and the European Union. The referendum must take place no later than 28 February 2019, excluding 3 May 2018.

Description

The bill outlines the process for a referendum on the UK's acceptance of the Brexit deal. Key aspects include:

Referendum Details

• A referendum will be held on whether the UK should accept the Brexit negotiations' outcome or remain in the EU.
• The Secretary of State will set the referendum date (before 28 February 2019, excluding 3 May 2018).
• The Electoral Commission will determine the wording of the ballot question, publishing it five weeks prior to the vote.

Voting Eligibility

• Eligibility includes UK parliamentary voters, 16 and 17-year-olds who would otherwise qualify, UK citizens living abroad, and those disqualified as peers but eligible for other UK elections.
• Commonwealth citizens and Irish citizens residing in the UK and Gibraltar also qualify.
• Gibraltar residents who are entitled to vote in European Parliament elections will also be allowed to vote.

Government Report

• The Secretary of State must publish a report detailing the agreed outcome of EU negotiations before the final five-week period before the referendum.
• This report will be presented to Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify the cost of the referendum. The expense will likely include costs related to the Electoral Commission, campaigning regulations, voter registration, and ballot organization, but no figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: Will be able to vote on the Brexit deal, impacting their future relationship with the EU.
• 16 and 17-year-olds: Given the right to vote, affecting their political engagement.
• UK citizens living abroad: Allowed to vote, impacting their political participation.
• Peers: Those ineligible for parliamentary votes but eligible for local elections can vote.
• Commonwealth and Irish citizens: Granted the right to vote, potentially increasing turnout.
• Gibraltar residents: Given the opportunity to vote, impacting their self-determination regarding Brexit.
• Government: Responsible for organizing and funding the referendum, and for implementing the outcome.
• Electoral Commission: Responsible for managing the referendum process and ballot question.

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