[Magdalen] Brexit 2nd vote?

[Ferdinand von Prondzynski -]

Molly wrote:

> But would the EU accept the results of a second referendum? The news stories I've seen seem to be suggesting a very tough line from the remaining members.

This is actually hugely complex. But – so far Britain has not invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – meaning that it has not formally begun the process of leaving. David Cameron has indicated that this won’t happen until his successor has taken up office, which won’t be until October. So until then the UK remains a full EU member. If a second referendum were held before anyone invokes Article 50, and if it produced a majority for remaining in the EU, then that would be that.

Whether any of this is at all likely to happen is quite another matter.

But there is turmoil right now. Apparently 2 million people have signed an online petition to have another referendum, and Parliament will have to debate that under its rules. Scotland is looking for ways to stay in the EU, whether as a separate part of the UK or out of it. A movement has been set up to bring London out of the UK and keep it in the EU (seriously). The Brexit guys have no idea what they have unleashed.

Ferdinand