Overview

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

Description

This bill requires a referendum with two options: approving the existing (or a future) withdrawal agreement with the EU, or remaining in the EU. The referendum must be held before December 31st, 2019, excluding May 2nd, 2019. The Secretary of State will set the exact date. The ballot question will be: “Do you approve the agreement for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union or Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?” If "Remain" wins, several Brexit-related Acts of Parliament will be repealed, and the Prime Minister will formally retract Article 50 notification, preventing Brexit. If "Approve" wins, these Acts remain in effect, leading to the UK's departure from the EU. The referendum will be conducted similarly to the 2016 EU referendum, adhering to the European Referendum Act 2015 where possible. Any substantial deviations require parliamentary approval. The bill extends to the whole UK and Gibraltar.

Government Spending

The bill will result in government expenditure covering the costs of organizing and conducting the referendum. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: All UK citizens will have the right to vote, directly impacting their future relationship with the EU.
• Businesses: Businesses will be affected depending on the outcome. Remaining in the EU maintains current trading relationships, while leaving involves potential trade disruptions and new regulations.
• Government: The government will incur costs associated with the referendum and will have to implement the decision's consequences, either managing Brexit or reversing it.
• Parliament: Parliament plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the referendum's process and the implementation of its outcome.
• European Union: The EU will be significantly impacted by the referendum's outcome, influencing its relationship with the UK.

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