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A referendum on whether the United Kingdom (and Gibraltar) should remain a member of the European Union (EU) is scheduled to take place before the end of 2017.

Following the 2015 general election, the re-elected Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated a Conservative Party manifesto commitment to hold an 'in-out' referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union by the end of 2017 following renegotiations with EU leaders. The planned referendum was included in the Queen's speech on 27 May 2015. It is suggested that David Cameron plans the EU referendum to be held on October 2016.

In contrast to the Labour Party's position before the general election, acting leader Harriet Harman said the party would support plans for an EU referendum by 2017. The Liberal Democrats oppose a referendum by 2017, suggesting one in the case of further transfer of sovereignty to the EU.

Since 2010, polls have indicated that the British public are divided on the question, with opposition peaking in November 2012 at 56% compared to 30% who wanted to remain, whilst in June 2015, those in favour reached 66%. The largest ever poll (20,000, in March 2014) showed the public to be split on the issue, with 41% in favour of withdrawal, 41% in favour of membership, and 18% undecided.[10] However, when asked how they would vote if Britain renegotiates its terms with the EU, and the government says British interests are better protected, over 50% said they would vote to stay.

The last such referendum occurred in 1975, where a majority endorsed the continuation of the UK's membership of the European Economic Community, which would later become the EU.

Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposed_referendum_on_United_Kingdom_membership_of_the_European_Union