“Brexit” is the term that the media are using to refer to the upcoming vote on whether Britain should leave the European Union. Britain has been a member of the European Union since 1973, and is one of 28 member countries.
The European Union is a political union of most (but not all) of the
countries in Europe. There are 28 countries (called 'member states')
within it, and they combined make up 7.3% of the world's population, or about
510 million people. The idea behind the EU, and the point of having it, is that
if all the different nations can agree on using the same rules for certain
things (for example, trade rules), then they will all benefit from it, and
become stronger as one.
The aim of the EU is to bring peace, stability and prosperity, promoting human
rights, and help raise living standards for all its members. The reason the
issue of Britain's membership is considered so important (or what is called a
"hot button" issue) is because not everyone feels it is
working out that way for Britain.
It’s important that you keep yourself informed about both viewpoints, as this decision will affect us all.
Whether you already have an opinion or not, please make sure you check out the information on the Brexit page here!