Overview

This bill mandates a second referendum on the UK's exit package from the European Union. The referendum will ask voters whether to approve the government's proposed exit deal or remain in the EU. The result will determine whether the UK proceeds with Brexit based on the proposed terms or remains a member.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State to present a comprehensive statement to Parliament by September 29th, 2018, detailing the proposed Brexit deal. This statement must include specifics on: access to the single market; tariffs on goods and services; trade agreements; the status of EU and UK citizens' rights post-Brexit; and the government's estimated economic impact (balance of trade, GDP, unemployment).

A referendum must be held before December 29th, 2018 (excluding May 3rd). The ballot question will ask voters to choose between approving the government's proposed exit package or remaining in the EU. The government cannot finalize any withdrawal agreement until the referendum outcome favors the exit package and both Houses of Parliament approve the terms. If the referendum supports remaining, the 2017 EU withdrawal notification will be retracted.

If the referendum backs the exit package but Parliament doesn't approve the terms within a week, an early general election will be triggered. If the referendum backs remaining in the EU, regulations will be made to revoke the Article 50 notification.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending to cover the costs associated with the referendum and any other expenses arising from the bill’s provisions. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: Will be directly affected by the referendum outcome, determining the UK's future relationship with the EU and impacting their rights, economy, and daily lives.
• EU Citizens in the UK: Their residency rights post-Brexit are a key element of the referendum and will be significantly impacted by the result.
• UK Citizens in the EU: Similar to EU citizens in the UK, their rights and future residency are significantly impacted by the referendum outcome.
• Businesses: The outcome will affect trade, tariffs, and market access, potentially impacting their operations and profitability.
• Parliament: The bill gives Parliament a key role in approving the terms of withdrawal, even if the referendum supports the Government's proposed exit package.

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