Brexit

Brexit

David Cameron backs referendum on Europe

David Cameron backs referendum on Europe

Prime minister says it is 'cleanest, neatest and simplest way' of giving public say on Britain's role but denies move to right

David Cameron has given his backing to a referendum on the European Union, saying it is the "cleanest, neatest and simplest way" of giving the public a say on Britain's position in Europe.

The prime minister firmed up his stance two days after suggesting voters should have the opportunity to give "fresh consent" to a new settlement on the EU, signalling that the Conservatives intend to include a referendum in their manifesto ahead of the next general election.

Cameron made clear that a referendum would not pose the "in/out" question sought by many in his party, but would be about changing Britain's position within the EU.

His comments came during an interview in which he denied that his leadership was moving the Tories further to the right, insisting, rather, that his party represented "the common ground of British politics".

— The Guardian

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Brexit

1975 UK European Communities membership referendum 1983 election David Cameron rejects the idea of a EU referendum
David Cameron backs referendum on Europe
European Union Referendum Act 2015 David Cameron wins election for second term David Cameron announces referendum in June UK votes to leave the European Union Prime-minister David Cameron resigns Theresa May becomes Prime-Minister Theresa May sets out plan for Brexit Theresa May triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty May calls for a snap election in June Snap election. May loses majority First round of negotiations begin Joint report proposes solutions for Irish border Commission publishes draft Withdrawal Agreement UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition UK white paper on Brexit UK government approves the draft of the Withdrawal Agreement EU endorses Withdrawal Agreement May announces date for vote on Brexit deal May faces no-confidence motion Theresa May loses in Parliament May loses again in Parliament 1st Brexit deadline Second round of indicative votes: no majority for any proposals May asks for extension to 30 June 2019 At emergency European Council, Brexit extension agreed until 31 October 2019 European parliament elections Theresa May resigns Boris Johnson is the new Prime Minister Parliament suspended The suspension of Parliament is judged unlawful by the Supreme Court Johnson proposes alternative to the backstop Johnson agrees new Withdrawal Agreement with EU Parliament special session on a Saturday A general election is enabled by Parliament UK general election called for 12 December 2019 2nd Brexit deadline Parliament is dissolved First debate between Johnson and Corbyn Snap election. Tories win the majority Johnson's New Year message Current Brexit deadline Deadline for the EU to agree with the UK negotiating objectives Deadline for the UK to ask for an extension of the transition period End of transition period