Overview

This bill mandates a second referendum on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. Voters would choose between approving the existing withdrawal agreement or remaining in the EU. The result would determine whether the UK leaves the EU or remains a member.

Description

The bill requires a referendum with two options: "Approve the withdrawal agreement" or "Remain a member of the European Union". The withdrawal agreement could be the one endorsed in November 2018, or a subsequent one. The referendum must take place before December 31, 2019 (excluding May 2nd 2019). The Secretary of State sets the date and details of the vote, following as closely as possible the procedures of the 2016 EU referendum. If "Approve the withdrawal agreement" wins, legislation enabling Brexit will remain in effect. However, if "Remain a member of the European Union" wins, acts facilitating Brexit (including the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017 and the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) will be repealed, and the Prime Minister will notify the European Council of the UK's withdrawal of its Article 50 notification. The bill allows for the Electoral Commission to review the referendum's planned regulations and approve or reject them based on their similarity to the 2016 referendum regulations.

Government Spending

The bill will require government expenditure to fund the referendum. The exact cost is not specified in the bill, but it will cover the Secretary of State's expenses and any increase in spending related to this Act. Any increased revenue generated as a result of this Act will be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Groups Affected

This bill affects numerous groups:

• UK Citizens: They will be directly affected as they are entitled to vote in the referendum, with the outcome directly impacting their rights and the future of the UK.
• Businesses: The outcome significantly impacts the UK's relationship with the EU, affecting trade, regulations, and the economy.
• Parliament: Parliament is involved in the legislative process, debating and potentially amending the bill, and will need to approve the regulations. Also, Parliament has the power to annul any regulations laid before it.
• The Electoral Commission: The Commission has a crucial role in reviewing the proposed referendum regulations and providing an opinion.
• The Government: The government has the responsibility for organizing the referendum and implementing the results.

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