Last Friday, Britain and European Union members have agreed to a deal, which could be sold to British public and politicians to vote and campaign to stay within European Union. PM Cameron have also announced the date of referendum, June 23rd. With all these developments done with and the referendum almost upon us we have dedicated this series to cover ins and outs surrounding the referendum.
We have previously covered on the risks and uncertainties surrounding Brexit in a small series named "Brexit risks – Justified or overestimated" available at EconoTimes at http://www.econotimes.com/Brexit-risks-justified-or-overestimated-Part-4-153907
In this part we are addressing some of the basic facts surrounding referendum.
Brifenrendum, which we have headlined, is a public referendum, on whether UK stays as a member of European Union or not?
After revisions, and recommendations by country's electoral commission adopted, the question that will be asked – "Should the UK remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?
This referendum has quite a long history, first it was discussed in 2006 by Mr. Cameron and was promised in his first term as Prime Minister to be held if his party wins. It was outright majority win by Mr. Cameron's party. However true reason behind this referendum is to unhappiness by many Britons over EU membership and to tackle the EU skeptics within the lawmakers.
British, Irish, any commonwealth citizen over the age of 18, resident of the UK will be eligible to vote. Any UK national living outside the country less than 15 years, also eligible to vote
As of now, 23 members of Mr. Cameron's 29 member cabinet have sided with him. Even some of the EU skeptics have joined Mr. Cameron, fearing the turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the exit.
Pro-EU group is quite strong. 23 of 29 cabinet ministers are in the group, so is large section of Labour party including chief Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrats and Greens. Scotland's national party is in favor of staying.
One major loss for the pro-party has been – Charismatic Boris Johnson, mayor of London is supporting the exit camp.