Overview

This bill mandates a UK-wide referendum on the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. If the referendum rejects ratification, the bill requires the government to repeal the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008 and renegotiate the UK's relationship with the European Union to pre-Lisbon Treaty terms.

Description

The bill's core element is a nationwide referendum on the question: "Do you agree with the Government’s decision to ratify the Lisbon Treaty?". The referendum's specifics, including the date, are to be determined by a Minister of the Crown through an order subject to parliamentary approval. The bill also dictates that if the referendum result is against ratification, the Secretary of State must report to Parliament within six months on how the Government plans to renegotiate the UK's EU relationship to its pre-Lisbon Treaty status. This includes a timetable for repealing the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008.

Government Spending

The bill states that any costs incurred by the Secretary of State due to the bill's implementation, and any increase in existing spending due to this Act, will be funded from Parliament's budget. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: All UK citizens will have the opportunity to vote in the referendum, impacting their say on the UK's relationship with the EU.
• Government: The government will be responsible for organizing the referendum and potentially renegotiating the UK's relationship with the EU if the referendum fails.
• Parliament: Parliament will play a crucial role in approving the orders related to the referendum and overseeing the government's actions following the referendum.
• EU Institutions: The outcome of the referendum and subsequent actions could significantly influence the UK's relationship with EU institutions.

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