Changes

'''Brexit''' is a campaign slogan for 'Britain's Exit' from the [[European Union]]. The British people became the first nation to vote on a referendum whether or not to remain in membership to the EU on June 23, 2016. The historic vote shocked the world as the Leave campaign won by a 52-48% margin. Prime Minister [[David Cameron]] campaigned to remain in the EU and with the results public, resigned his position. Former London Mayor [[Boris Johnson]] was a leader of the Leave camp, though previously supporting Remain.

'''Brexit''' is a campaign slogan for 'Britain's Exit' from the [[European Union]]. The British people became the first nation to vote on a referendum whether or not to remain in membership to the EU on June 23, 2016. The historic vote shocked the world as the Leave campaign won by a 52-48% margin. Prime Minister [[David Cameron]] campaigned to remain in the EU and with the results public, resigned his position. Former London Mayor [[Boris Johnson]] was a leader of the Leave camp, though previously supporting Remain.

Polling indicated a tight race, with 44% preferring to stay (anti-Brexit) and 42% supporting leaving the EU (Brexit), as of April 17, 2016.<ref>https://ig.ft.com/sites/brexit-polling/</ref> Two weeks after Obama gave his support to Cameron and chided Britain to stay in the EU, a survey says Brexit gained 3% who want out.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-poll-idUSKCN0XP0PO? Obama fails to swing Britain behind EU as 'Out' takes poll lead, Reuters, April 28, 2016]</ref> Final results show Leave with 52% of the vote to Remain with 48%, a margin that was 5 points better than polling.

Polling indicated a tight race, with 44% preferring to stay (anti-Brexit) and 42% supporting leaving the EU (Brexit), as of April 17, 2016.<ref>https://ig.ft.com/sites/brexit-polling/</ref> Two weeks after Barack Obama gave his support to Cameron and chided Britain to stay in the EU, a survey says Brexit gained 3% who want out.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-poll-idUSKCN0XP0PO? Obama fails to swing Britain behind EU as 'Out' takes poll lead, Reuters, April 28, 2016]</ref> Final results show Leave with 52% of the vote to Remain with 48%, a margin that was 5 points better than polling.

Most people believed if the Brexit campaign was successful, the 28-nation EU economic and political alliance would be doomed. Financial giants warned the British of credit downgrades. The British Pound dropped significantly as results started pouring in showing Leave doing better than expected.  

Most people believed if the Brexit campaign was successful, the 28-nation political and economic alliance would be doomed. Financial giants warned the British of credit downgrades. The British Pound dropped significantly as results started pouring in showing Leave doing better than expected.  

It is considered likely that [[France]], the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Hungary could hold a similar referendum.

It is considered likely that [[France]], the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Hungary could hold a similar referendum.

The British High Court ruled on November 3, 2016 that the British government could not unilaterally begin formal exit negotiations with the EU, but rather that parliamentary approval via an Act of Parliament is needed to permit the British Government to trigger Article 50 and begin the withdrawal process.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37857785 Brexit court defeat for UK government]. ''BBC''. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.</ref> The British government appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, skipping the Court of Appeal. On the 1st of February 2017 the British House of Commons approved beginning Brexit negotiations.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38833883 Brexit: MPs overwhelmingly back Article 50 bill]. ''BBC''. February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref> Amendments were later made in the House of Lords, and each amendment was refused by the House of Commons. The bill eventually became law and on the 29th of March, Theresa May triggered Article 50 and began the withdrawal process from the [[European Union]].

The British High Court ruled on November 3, 2016 that the British government could not unilaterally begin formal exit negotiations with the EU, but rather that parliamentary approval via an Act of Parliament is needed to permit the British Government to trigger Article 50 and begin the withdrawal process.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37857785 Brexit court defeat for UK government]. ''BBC''. November 3, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.</ref> The British government appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, skipping the Court of Appeal. On the 1st of February 2017 the British House of Commons approved beginning Brexit negotiations.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38833883 Brexit: MPs overwhelmingly back Article 50 bill]. ''BBC''. February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref> Amendments were later made in the House of Lords, and each amendment was refused by the House of Commons. The bill eventually became law and on the 29th of March, Theresa May triggered Article 50 and began the withdrawal process from the [[European Union]].

== Eligible voters ==

== Eligible voters ==

*Voters must have been 18 or older  

*Voters must have been 18 or older  

*British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen who resided in Britain.  

*British, Commonwealth or Irish citizen who resided in Britain.  

*British nationals who lived overseas for less than 15 years could also vote.

*British nationals who lived overseas for less than 15 years could also vote.

A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>  See also: [[British atheism]]

A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>  See also: [[British atheism]]

''The Guardian'' reported about Brexit:

''[[The Guardian]]'' reported about Brexit:

{{Cquote|n shrinks’ offices across the country, just as in homes, pubs and offices, people are trying to come to terms with the surprise and shock of the Brexit result. Strangers gather together to talk of how “the world is falling apart”.

{{Cquote|n shrinks’ offices across the country, just as in homes, pubs and offices, people are trying to come to terms with the surprise and shock of the Brexit result. Strangers gather together to talk of how “the world is falling apart”.