What is Brexit? All you need to know about the EU referendum

What is Brexit?

Brexit – Britain’s exit from European Union.  Whether Britain should make an exit out of the EU or not will be decided by a referendum on June 23.

Who wants to leave EU?

British people are evenly divided over the issue. The UK Independence Party, campaigns for Britain's exit from the EU. About half of Conservative MPs, including five cabinet ministers, several Labour MPs and the DUP are also in favour of leaving. The reason why do they want to leave is believe Britain is being held back by the EU, which they say imposes too many rules on business and charges billions of pounds a year in membership fees. Free movement is one of the main principles of EU membership which means you don't need to get a visa to go and live in another EU country.

Who wants to stay in EU?

Though Prime Minister David Cameron want to stay in EU and sixteen members of his cabinet also back staying in.  Labour Party, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems are all in favour of staying in. US President Barack Obama also want UK to stay in EU but the British people are evenly split on the issue. The reason  why do they want to stay in EU is it gets a big boost from membership - it makes selling things to other EU countries easier. They also believe Britain's status in the world would be damaged by leaving.

Who will be able to vote?

British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in the UK in the past 15 years can vote. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible.