Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Thursday 27th October 2016

In legislating for the EU Referendum, the Government and Parliament asked the people to decide whether to remain in or leave the EU. The people have spoken and the Government must deliver the result.

Our instructions from the people of the United Kingdom are clear - the UK is leaving the European Union. It is a national mandate; voted for by over 17 million people and the Government is determined to deliver it in the national interest.

The Conservative Party manifesto, upon which the Government was elected in 2015, stated that it would respect and implement the decision of the people of the United Kingdom. Parliament also expressed its overwhelming support for the Referendum Bill by a margin of 6-1.

The rules for exit are set out in Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This is the only lawful route for withdrawal from the EU under the Treaties and we will trigger Article 50 no later than the end of March 2017.

The Government is committed to getting the best deal for the UK – one that is unique and not an ‘off the shelf’ solution. Withdrawal from the EU will mean we will decide on our borders, our laws, and taxpayers’ money. We will work hard to help establish a future relationship between the EU and the UK that is dynamic, constructive and healthy.

Under The Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011, the next General Election is planned for May 2020 and an early election can only be triggered by Members of the House of Commons.

Department for Exiting the EU