A Brexit referendum is clearly possible, but contingency planning must start now

A referendum on Brexit is clearly possible, but the details matter. Various processes must be put in place to ensure the referendum is legitimate, according to a new report by the UCL Constitution Unit. The report titled 'The Mechanics of a Further Referendum on Brexit' highlights the constitutional and legal questions that must be considered, including: the timeline, how a referendum could be triggered, the format of the question, and what rules should govern its operation. Key conclusions include: Proponents of a second referendum argue that, with parliament so divided on the UK's future, the public should be given the opportunity to decide whether or not to accept the deal the government has negotiated once the details are known. The Constitution Unit has no position on Brexit or on whether a further referendum should be held, but seeks to inform debate about the practicalities. Co-author Dr Alan Renwick, Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit (UCL Political Science), said: "The principle of a further referendum on Brexit is likely to remain controversial, so it is of utmost importance that the process should command the maximum legitimacy. If the result is to be accepted by those on all sides, every effort should be made to ensure the referendum campaign is fair, the poll is properly conducted, the options put to the referendum are clear, and the question allows voters to express their preferences unambiguously." Co-author Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit (UCL Political Science), said: "In the British system anything is possible given the political will.