UK and the EU (12) - Final post of this series

On Thursday 23rd June, the United Kingdom will make its decision in the EU Referendum: Remain or Leave.  This series of 12 posts and an earlier post (Brexit ~ referendum ~ a few points) are an attempt to present factual information to assist with what is undoubtedly a most difficult decision about the future of our nation.




I spent a considerable amount of midnight oil writing a longer piece setting out my view and the reasons for it.  It was an interesting exercise but it led me to the conclusion that it is not the role of a law blog to seek to persuade anyone to vote one way or the other.  I have therefore settled for setting down the links to the main official information issued by government and Parliament as well as links to the earlier posts in this series.

Above all, cast your vote.  As Abraham Lincoln said - "Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” 


The main official information:



The results of the Prime Minister's negotiations with EU leaders are set out in European Council Conclusions of 18 and 19 February 2016.  This "deal" will only apply if the UK referendum is in favour of the UK remaining a member.  This analysis by Slaughter and May takes a useful look at the deal. 

The Referendum Act 2015 required that certain material be published to inform the referendum -

The best of both worlds: the UK's special status in a reformed EU

Alternatives to membership: possible models for the UK outside the EU 

Rights and Obligations of EU Membership

Parliament has published - The UK's EU Referendum 2016 explained and  EU Referendum: impartial information to help you decide and - Impact of an EU exit in key UK policy areas 

The Balance of Competencies Review conducted between July 2012 and December 2014 produced 32 reports.   This was an extensive examination of most key policy areas.  It looked at what the EU does and how it affects the UK.

: Earlier posts in this series :

20th February - Brexit ~ referendum ~ a few points - including link to the deal secured by the Prime Minister

UK and the EU (1) - History and Background

UK and the EU (2) - The EU Treaties - key points

UK and the EU (3) - The Parliament, the Commission and the Court

UK and the EU (4) - Freedom of movement of persons

UK and the EU (5) - Referendum - People need facts not slogans (Lord King)

UK and the EU (6) -Will Brexit be a simple process?

UK and the EU (7) -Your Rights

UK and the EU (8) - Trading bloc or emergent State

UK and the EU (9) - A monumental referendum - information to assist

UK and the EU (10) - What if it is Brexit 

UK and the EU (11) - The event horizon approaches - What if it is Brexit