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 EU to pre-Lisbon Treaty terms.

Description

The bill's core provisions are:

• Referendum: A nationwide referendum (including Gibraltar) will be held on the government's decision to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. The question posed will be: "Do you agree with the Government’s decision to ratify the Lisbon Treaty?".
• Referendum Procedures: The bill allows for ministerial orders to set the referendum date, define the voting period, specify ballot paper details (including Welsh language provision), and regulate the conduct of the referendum, voting eligibility, and legal challenges to the result.
• Repeal of the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008: If the referendum rejects ratification, the Secretary of State must report to Parliament within six months on plans to renegotiate the UK's EU relationship to its pre-Lisbon Treaty state and present a timetable for repealing the 2008 Act.
• Parliamentary Approval: Any ministerial orders made under this Act must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State as a result of the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other enactments attributable to the Act, will be funded from parliamentary funds. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• UK Citizens: All UK citizens (and those in Gibraltar) will be affected by the referendum, with the outcome potentially significantly impacting the UK's relationship with the EU.
• UK Government: The government faces the significant task of organizing the referendum and, in the event of a "No" vote, the substantial challenge of renegotiating the UK's relationship with the EU.
• The European Union: The outcome of the referendum would have considerable implications for the EU, potentially altering the power dynamics within the organization.
• Parliament: Parliament will be involved in approving any ministerial orders related to the referendum.

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