Eligible Australians will get to vote in upcoming Brexit referendum

IT’S billed as the “biggest choice in a generation” which could change the European Union forever. And eligible Australians can have a say in the process.

Australians get a say in crucial vote

COMMONWEALTH citizens over 18 who are residents in the UK will be able to vote in the upcoming referendum on whether or not the UK should say in the European Union.

It’s understood rules for the binding vote on June 23 will be based on those for general elections, according to the UK Cabinet Office.

It means those who are eligible to vote in the UK will also be able to do so in the referendum being billed as the “biggest choice in a generation” when the public will be asked: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”

The vote comes after extended negotiations between the UK and members of the European Union during which British Prime Minister David Cameron secured special status for the UK in four key areas of sovereignty, welfare, governance and reducing red tape.

The government has called the result of the negotiations the “best of both worlds” which prevents the UK from becoming part of an “ever closer union” with protections for the economy while maintaining access to the 500-million member European single market which is credited with securing cheaper products from airfares to mobile phones for UK consumers.

British Prime Minister David Cameron smiles during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister during an European Union leaders summit on the so-called Brexit and migrants crisis, in Brussels on February 19, 2016. Prime Minister David Cameron admitted there was "still no deal" as he headed into a second day of talks after all-night negotiations failed to deliver an agreement to stop Britain crashing out of the EU. / AFP / POOL / Dylan MARTINEZ

London Mayor Boris Johnson arrives home in London on February 21 , 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron made a last-ditch appeal to London Mayor Boris Johnson to support Britain staying in the EU Sunday as he battles to make his case to eurosceptics ahead of a June 23 referendum. Cameron used a BBC interview to address the charismatic Johnson, who is expected to announce his position at 2200 GMT on February 21 in a move which could transform the out campaign if he backs them. If reports suggesting the mayor will back so-called 'Brexit' are correct, it would deal a major blow to Cameron two days after he sealed a deal in Brussels to reset Britain's ties with the European Union. / AFP / NIKLAS HALLE'N

Rhetoric on both sides of the campaign has stepped up significantly in the wake of the Brussels negotiations with business leaders, politicians and celebrities staking their views on the issue.

Tuesday’s edition of The Times featured a letter from 200 business leaders saying Britain will be “stronger, safer and better off” remaining in Europe. Signatories include CEOs from companies such as Vodafone, Marks and Spencer, General Electric, Airbus, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. EasyJet CEO Carolyn McCall and Virgin founder Richard Branson have also spoken out in favour of staying in recent weeks.

However the decision has also caused a rift in the Conservative Party with six of David Cameron’s cabinet ministers rejecting the deal and campaigning to leave.

Most worryingly for Cameron, London mayor Boris Johnson said he would join the out campaign, as will new candidate Zac Goldsmith. The bumbling mayor who consistently makes headlines with his inelegant antics is one of the most popular politicians in the country.

Polls have shown his endorsement was “important” for around one third of people. A separate survey found up to nine per cent of the electorate are willing to change their minds based on his opinion.

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