"Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, often shortened to Brexit (a portmanteaucombining the words "Britain" and "exit"[1]) is a political aim of some advocacy groups, individuals and political parties in the United Kingdom (UK). In 1975 a referendum was held on the country's membership of the European Economic Community (EEC), a precursor to the European Union (EU). The outcome of the vote was that the country continued to be a member of the EEC. A referendum on the country's membership of the EU will be held on 23 June 2016 following the passing of the European Union Referendum Act 2015."
"ON FEBRUARY 20th David Cameron, Britain's prime minister, set June 23rd as the date for a referendum on the country’s membership of the European Union. His announcement followed a protracted renegotiation of the current conditions of Britain’s membership at a summit in Brussels. The move immediately prompted government ministers to declare their backing for either the “remain” or “leave” campaigns. Mr Cameron strongly believes in the benefits of continued EU membership, but a handful of high-profile MPs, including justice secretary, Michael Gove, and London's mayor Boris Johnson, have pledged support for the “out” campaigners. In early 2015 the chances of ”Brexit”— Britain departing from the European Union—seemed remote. Today, largely because of Europe’s migration crisis and the interminable euro mess, the polls have narrowed. Some recent surveys even find a majority of Britons wanting to leave."
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