- Question
What are the options on a second Brexit referendum?
Theresa May’s Brexit deal contains little to please Brexiteers or Remainers. As it stands, it will be very difficult for Brexit to end in a way that is satisfying for anyone. Should there be a second referendum on Brexit, so that people can vote with a better understanding of their options?
No, there shouldn't be a second Brexit referendum
This position holds that there should not be a second Brexit referendum. It argues that the public has already spoken in the first vote, that re-running it would undermine democracy by overturning a settled decision, and that another campaign would only deepen national division.
It is an irrelevant debate
This position holds that debating a second Brexit referendum is irrelevant. It argues such a vote is simply not feasible—there is no time to hold one—and that what the country actually needs is a general election rather than another referendum on Brexit.
There should be a second Brexit referendum
This position holds that there should be a second Brexit referendum, in Britain's best interests. It argues that only a fresh vote can settle the debate, that the Leave campaign's conduct undermined the legitimacy of the first, and that the electorate that voted in 2016 is itself changing.
Referendum between the May plan and a hard Brexit
This position proposes a second Brexit referendum offering a choice between Theresa May's deal and a hard Brexit. It argues that the public voted to leave but not on what kind of Brexit, and that — with politicians deadlocked — only a fresh vote can settle the terms.
Referendum between the May plan and canceling Brexit
This position proposes a second Brexit referendum offering a choice between Theresa May's deal and cancelling Brexit altogether. It argues that now the actual deal is known, voters deserve a say on it, that opinion has shifted, and that a no-deal exit would be the worst outcome of all.
Referendum with all options on the ballot
This position proposes a second Brexit referendum with every option on the ballot — May's deal, a no-deal Brexit, and remaining in the EU. It argues that only a vote representing all opinions can break the political deadlock that paralysed Parliament.