John Hacking – Network for Europe

 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.  They won the election so it's all systems go.

 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.

 The one thing we know for sure is that Prime Minister David Cameron has said it will happen by the end of  a key element was that the PM said 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.

 The original question 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 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?"  The final decision will be made by MPs but Downing Street has accepted the amended wording.

 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.  Citizens from EU countries - apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus - will not get a vote.

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