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The UK's EU referendum: Everything you need to know The UK's EU referendum: Everything you need to know
(about 11 hours later)
What is happening?What is happening?
The Conservatives' election manifesto promised to hold a referendum (a nationwide vote) on whether or not the UK should stay in or leave the European Union by the end of 2017. They won the election so it's all systems go.The Conservatives' election manifesto promised to hold a referendum (a nationwide vote) on whether or not the UK should stay in or leave the European Union by the end of 2017. They won the election so it's all systems go.
What is a referendum?What is a referendum?
A referendum is basically a vote in which everyone (or nearly everyone) of voting age can take part, normally giving a "Yes" or "No" answer to a question. Whichever side gets more than half of all votes cast is considered to have won.A referendum is basically a vote in which everyone (or nearly everyone) of voting age can take part, normally giving a "Yes" or "No" answer to a question. Whichever side gets more than half of all votes cast is considered to have won.
What is the European Union?What is the European Union?
The European Union is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries (click here if you want to see the full list). It began after World War Two to foster economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together are more likely to avoid going to war with each other. It has since grown to become a "single market" allowing goods and people to move around, basically as if the member states were one country. It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas - including on the environment, transport, consumer rights and even things like mobile phone charges.The European Union is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries (click here if you want to see the full list). It began after World War Two to foster economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together are more likely to avoid going to war with each other. It has since grown to become a "single market" allowing goods and people to move around, basically as if the member states were one country. It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas - including on the environment, transport, consumer rights and even things like mobile phone charges.
When will the EU referendum happen?When will the EU referendum happen?
The one thing we know for sure is that Prime Minister David Cameron has said it will happen by the end of 2017. The most likely times of the year for referendums are generally May or September, and some people - including, it is said, the prime minister himself - think it should be held as soon as possible. There had been suggestions that it could be held in May 2016, to coincide with elections in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London, rather than waiting for 2017 - but the government has ruled that out and June or September 2016 are now seen as most likely. Here is a full rundown of the likely dates and key events.The one thing we know for sure is that Prime Minister David Cameron has said it will happen by the end of 2017. The most likely times of the year for referendums are generally May or September, and some people - including, it is said, the prime minister himself - think it should be held as soon as possible. There had been suggestions that it could be held in May 2016, to coincide with elections in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London, rather than waiting for 2017 - but the government has ruled that out and June or September 2016 are now seen as most likely. Here is a full rundown of the likely dates and key events.
Why not just hold the referendum now? Why wasn't the referendum held earlier?
When David Cameron announced in January 2013 his pledge to hold a referendum, a key element was that he would seek to make changes to the way the European Union works - or at least the rules covering the UK as a European Union member. Only once this renegotiation of British membership had been completed would he put the new arrangement to the public vote.When David Cameron announced in January 2013 his pledge to hold a referendum, a key element was that he would seek to make changes to the way the European Union works - or at least the rules covering the UK as a European Union member. Only once this renegotiation of British membership had been completed would he put the new arrangement to the public vote.
What did other parties think about the idea of a referendum?What did other parties think about the idea of a referendum?
During the election the Lib Dems and Labour both said they did not want a referendum unless there were plans to transfer more powers from the UK to the EU. The SNP also opposed a referendum. The UK Independence Party and the Greens both backed a referendum. As already mentioned, the Conservatives won the election and the necessary legislation has gone through Parliament so parties' focus is not on whether to hold a referendum, but which side to back.During the election the Lib Dems and Labour both said they did not want a referendum unless there were plans to transfer more powers from the UK to the EU. The SNP also opposed a referendum. The UK Independence Party and the Greens both backed a referendum. As already mentioned, the Conservatives won the election and the necessary legislation has gone through Parliament so parties' focus is not on whether to hold a referendum, but which side to back.
What will the referendum question be?What will the referendum question be?
The question is always crucial in any referendum. The original 2013 suggestion from the Conservatives was: "Do you think that the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union. Yes or no". Some people thought this phrasing leaned too far towards the status quo (the current state of affairs) and the Electoral Commission, which has to approve the question, said it was not clear enough and proposed: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" Downing Street and MPs have accepted the amended wording. Read more: Does the wording of a referendum question matter?The question is always crucial in any referendum. The original 2013 suggestion from the Conservatives was: "Do you think that the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union. Yes or no". Some people thought this phrasing leaned too far towards the status quo (the current state of affairs) and the Electoral Commission, which has to approve the question, said it was not clear enough and proposed: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" Downing Street and MPs have accepted the amended wording. Read more: Does the wording of a referendum question matter?
Who will be able to vote?Who will be able to vote?
British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals who have lived overseas for less than 15 years. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible, unlike in a general election. Citizens from EU countries - apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - will not get a vote.British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals who have lived overseas for less than 15 years. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible, unlike in a general election. Citizens from EU countries - apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - will not get a vote.
What are the main changes David Cameron hopes to make?What are the main changes David Cameron hopes to make?
Mr Cameron set out the four key ways he wants to change the UK's membership of the EU in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk in November:Mr Cameron set out the four key ways he wants to change the UK's membership of the EU in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk in November:
What has been the reaction to the UK's demands?What has been the reaction to the UK's demands?
The main sticking point has been opposition from countries including Hungary and Poland to the idea of the four year ban on claiming some UK benefits. The message from the rest of the EU is that there cannot be a policy which discriminates against other EU nationals. European Council President Donald Tusk is currently in the process of putting together a draft deal ahead of the February EU summit where the UK's renegotiation demands are set to be debated. Read more: Tusk's December letter responding to UK's demands Most of the objections have been over the idea of a four-year ban on EU migrants claiming some UK benefits. The message from the rest of the EU has been that there cannot be a policy which discriminates against other EU nationals.
What else has emerged as part of a possible deal? European Council President Donald Tusk has put together a draft deal ahead of the February EU summit where the UK's renegotiation demands are set to be debated.
David Cameron has said that if the four year ban on some UK benefits is not acceptable to the rest of the EU, then there must be something else agreed which can have the same impact on immigration numbers. Three options being reported include: It includes a form of an "emergency brake" which would allow the UK to apply to restrict EU migrants' benefits for four years if the UK votes to remain in the Union.
Read more: David Cameron on new UK sovereignty law There are also measures relating to protection for non-euro countries in the EU, a new way for member states to club together to block some new EU laws and on business regulations. Read more: Cameron unveils draft reform proposals
Read more: Other UK options on EU benefit curbs Is that the final deal?
When will we know if a deal has been struck? No - other countries will still have their say, and more negotiations are planned ahead of the summit where they are due to be discussed on 18-19 February.
David Cameron and European Council president Donald Tusk had a meeting in Downing Street on Sunday to try and agree the text of a draft agreement on the UK's renegotiation demands. That text has yet to be agreed so talks are continuing between officials, with the hope that it will be published at some point in the first week of February.
Why is a referendum being held?Why is a referendum being held?
Britain had a referendum in 1975 shortly after it had joined the EU, or the Common Market as it was then called. The country voted to stay in then but there have been growing calls, from the public and politicians, for another vote because, they argue, the EU has changed a lot over the past 40 years, with many more countries joining and the organisation extending its control over more aspects of daily lives. David Cameron initially resisted these calls but in 2013 he changed his mind.Britain had a referendum in 1975 shortly after it had joined the EU, or the Common Market as it was then called. The country voted to stay in then but there have been growing calls, from the public and politicians, for another vote because, they argue, the EU has changed a lot over the past 40 years, with many more countries joining and the organisation extending its control over more aspects of daily lives. David Cameron initially resisted these calls but in 2013 he changed his mind.
Who wants the UK to leave the EU?Who wants the UK to leave the EU?
The British public are fairly evenly split, according to the latest opinion polls. The UK Independence Party, which won the last European elections, and received nearly four million votes - 13% of those cast - in May's general election, campaigns for Britain's exit from the EU. A fair number of Conservative MPs - and several Labour ones - are also in favour of leaving. There are two main campaign groups. Read more about them.The British public are fairly evenly split, according to the latest opinion polls. The UK Independence Party, which won the last European elections, and received nearly four million votes - 13% of those cast - in May's general election, campaigns for Britain's exit from the EU. A fair number of Conservative MPs - and several Labour ones - are also in favour of leaving. There are two main campaign groups. Read more about them.
Why do they want the UK to leave?Why do they want the UK to leave?
They believe Britain is being held back by the EU, which they say imposes too many rules on business and charges billions of pounds a year in membership fees for little in return. They also want Britain to take back full control of its borders and reduce the number of people coming here to work. One of the main principles of EU membership is "free movement", which means you don't need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. They also object to the idea of "ever closer union" and any ultimate goal to create a "United States of Europe".They believe Britain is being held back by the EU, which they say imposes too many rules on business and charges billions of pounds a year in membership fees for little in return. They also want Britain to take back full control of its borders and reduce the number of people coming here to work. One of the main principles of EU membership is "free movement", which means you don't need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country. They also object to the idea of "ever closer union" and any ultimate goal to create a "United States of Europe".
Who wants the UK to stay in the EU?Who wants the UK to stay in the EU?
David Cameron wants Britain to stay in the EU, once he has got some powers back from it. He has so far refused to say whether he would start calling for Britain to leave if he does not get what he wants from the other EU leaders, saying instead that he "rules nothing out". The Labour Party, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems are also in favour of staying in. As mentioned above, according to polls, the public seems pretty evenly split on the issue.David Cameron wants Britain to stay in the EU, once he has got some powers back from it. He has so far refused to say whether he would start calling for Britain to leave if he does not get what he wants from the other EU leaders, saying instead that he "rules nothing out". The Labour Party, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems are also in favour of staying in. As mentioned above, according to polls, the public seems pretty evenly split on the issue.
Why do they want the UK to stay?Why do they want the UK to stay?
They believe Britain gets a big boost from EU membership - it makes selling things to other EU countries easier and, they argue, the flow of immigrants, most of whom are young and keen to work, fuels economic growth and helps pay for public services. They also believe Britain's status in the world would be damaged by leaving and that we are more secure as part of the bloc.They believe Britain gets a big boost from EU membership - it makes selling things to other EU countries easier and, they argue, the flow of immigrants, most of whom are young and keen to work, fuels economic growth and helps pay for public services. They also believe Britain's status in the world would be damaged by leaving and that we are more secure as part of the bloc.
So would Britain be better in or out?So would Britain be better in or out?
It depends which way you look at it - or what you believe is important. Leaving the EU would be a big step - arguably far more important than who wins the next general election - but would it set the nation free or condemn it to economic ruin? Here is a rundown of the arguments for and against.It depends which way you look at it - or what you believe is important. Leaving the EU would be a big step - arguably far more important than who wins the next general election - but would it set the nation free or condemn it to economic ruin? Here is a rundown of the arguments for and against.
What about businesses?What about businesses?
Big business - with a few exceptions - tends to be in favour of Britain staying in the EU because it makes it easier for them to move money, people and products around the world. BT chairman Sir Mike Rake, a recent CBI president, says there are "no credible alternatives" to staying in the EU. But others disagree, such as Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, who says an EU exit would allow the UK to negotiate trade deals as our country "rather than being one of 28 nations". Many small and medium-sized firms would welcome a cut in red tape and what they see as petty regulations, but a lot hangs on what deal Mr Cameron renegotiates. The British Chambers of Commerce says 55% of members back staying in a reformed EU.Big business - with a few exceptions - tends to be in favour of Britain staying in the EU because it makes it easier for them to move money, people and products around the world. BT chairman Sir Mike Rake, a recent CBI president, says there are "no credible alternatives" to staying in the EU. But others disagree, such as Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, who says an EU exit would allow the UK to negotiate trade deals as our country "rather than being one of 28 nations". Many small and medium-sized firms would welcome a cut in red tape and what they see as petty regulations, but a lot hangs on what deal Mr Cameron renegotiates. The British Chambers of Commerce says 55% of members back staying in a reformed EU.
Find out more:Find out more:
Business for Britain wants big changes to the UK's relations with the EU and says the UK should be prepared to vote to leave if the changes are not achievedBusiness for Britain wants big changes to the UK's relations with the EU and says the UK should be prepared to vote to leave if the changes are not achieved
Business for New Europe is a coalition of business leaders who support the UK's membership of the EU and "oppose withdrawal to the margins".Business for New Europe is a coalition of business leaders who support the UK's membership of the EU and "oppose withdrawal to the margins".
What are the rules likely to be for campaigning?What are the rules likely to be for campaigning?
The Electoral Commission will be in charge of making sure it's a fair contest. It will select a designated lead campaign for both the "leave" and "remain" sides. The official campaigns will get access to a grant of up to £600,000, an overall spending limit of £7m, campaign broadcasts, free mailshots and free access to meeting rooms. Other groups are free to run their own campaigns but they will be limited to a spend of £700,000 if they register with the Electoral Commission and will have to report the source of donations. If they don't register with the Commission they will be limited to spending less than £10,000. The Electoral Commission has published a guide to the rules.The Electoral Commission will be in charge of making sure it's a fair contest. It will select a designated lead campaign for both the "leave" and "remain" sides. The official campaigns will get access to a grant of up to £600,000, an overall spending limit of £7m, campaign broadcasts, free mailshots and free access to meeting rooms. Other groups are free to run their own campaigns but they will be limited to a spend of £700,000 if they register with the Electoral Commission and will have to report the source of donations. If they don't register with the Commission they will be limited to spending less than £10,000. The Electoral Commission has published a guide to the rules.
How much can the parties spend?How much can the parties spend?
The spending limit for political parties depend on the percentage of the vote they received at the general election. The Conservatives have the highest spending limit - £7m - because they got the most votes at the general election. Labour is limited to £5.5m, UKIP £4 and the Lib Dems £3m. The SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru and other parties that got less than 5% of votes cast in May wil be limited to £700,000.The spending limit for political parties depend on the percentage of the vote they received at the general election. The Conservatives have the highest spending limit - £7m - because they got the most votes at the general election. Labour is limited to £5.5m, UKIP £4 and the Lib Dems £3m. The SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru and other parties that got less than 5% of votes cast in May wil be limited to £700,000.
So who is going to be leading the rival sides in the campaign?So who is going to be leading the rival sides in the campaign?
This has yet to be decided - but here are the groups that are making the early running:This has yet to be decided - but here are the groups that are making the early running:
Britain Stronger in Europe - the main cross-party group campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU, headed by former Marks and Spencer chairman Lord Rose.Britain Stronger in Europe - the main cross-party group campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU, headed by former Marks and Spencer chairman Lord Rose.
Vote Leave campaign - A cross-party campaign that grew out of Business for Britain, headed by former Conservative adviser Dominic Cummings and Matthew Elliott, who ran the successful No2AV campaignVote Leave campaign - A cross-party campaign that grew out of Business for Britain, headed by former Conservative adviser Dominic Cummings and Matthew Elliott, who ran the successful No2AV campaign
Leave.EU - Funded by UKIP donor Arron Banks and other business people, with the backing of longstanding Eurosceptic groups - it is vying for official designation with Vote Leave.Leave.EU - Funded by UKIP donor Arron Banks and other business people, with the backing of longstanding Eurosceptic groups - it is vying for official designation with Vote Leave.
There are a string of other organisations campaigning either for or against EU membership, as well as groups of MPs. UKIP leader Nigel Farage is certain to play a prominent role in the leave campaign, regardless of which leave campaign gets the official designation. David Cameron has vowed to campaign for Britain to remain in the EU "with all my heart and soul" if he gets what he wants from his renegotiation with the other member states. Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson is leading Labour's own campaign to stay in the EU but has said he will not share a platform with David Cameron.There are a string of other organisations campaigning either for or against EU membership, as well as groups of MPs. UKIP leader Nigel Farage is certain to play a prominent role in the leave campaign, regardless of which leave campaign gets the official designation. David Cameron has vowed to campaign for Britain to remain in the EU "with all my heart and soul" if he gets what he wants from his renegotiation with the other member states. Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson is leading Labour's own campaign to stay in the EU but has said he will not share a platform with David Cameron.
Got a question on the UK's EU referendum? Submit it using the form below:Got a question on the UK's EU referendum? Submit it using the form below: