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 occur by 28 February 2019, excluding 3 May 2018.

Description

The bill outlines the process for a referendum on the UK's acceptance of the Brexit negotiation results.

Referendum Details:

• A referendum will be held on whether the UK should accept the Brexit negotiations' outcome or remain in the EU.
• The referendum date will be set by the Secretary of State via regulations, no later than 28 February 2019 (excluding 3 May 2018).
• The Electoral Commission will determine the ballot question wording, publishing it at least five weeks before the vote.

Voter Eligibility:

• UK parliamentary election voters.
• 16 and 17-year-olds who would otherwise be eligible.
• UK citizens residing outside the UK.
• Peers ineligible for parliamentary elections but eligible for local or European Parliament elections.
• Gibraltar voters eligible for European Parliament elections, who are either Commonwealth citizens or Irish citizens.

Government Reporting:

• The Secretary of State must publish a report detailing the agreed outcomes of Brexit negotiations with member states before the final five-week period before the referendum.
• This report must be presented to Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify the cost of the referendum. The government spending will encompass organizing the vote, creating and distributing materials, and other administrative costs associated with holding a national referendum. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: Will be able to vote (with specific eligibility criteria as outlined above) and will be directly impacted by the referendum's outcome.
• Gibraltar Residents: Will be given the right to vote under specific criteria.
• Political Parties: Will participate in campaigning and be affected by the results.
• The Electoral Commission: Responsible for the ballot question and overseeing the process.
• The UK Government: Responsible for organizing the referendum and implementing the outcome.
• The European Union: The outcome will directly affect the EU's relationship with the UK.

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