Referendum (European Union) Bill [HL]

Make provision for the holding of a referendum in the United Kingdom on the United Kingdom’s continued membership of the European Union.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

30 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Referendum (European Union) Bill would set out rules for holding a UK-wide referendum on whether the United Kingdom should continue its membership of the European Union. It describes how the referendum would be organised and how the result would influence government or parliamentary action. The bill is currently at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Lords.

Key Points

Proposes a national referendum on the UK's continued EU membership.
Sets out rules for when the referendum would be held and who is eligible to vote.
Describes the process for organising the referendum and the wording of the question.
Explains how Parliament or government would respond to the referendum result.
Originates in the Lords and is at the 2nd reading stage.

Progress

The bill is in its early stages of passage, currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Lords and originated there.

Who is affected?

UK citizens and qualifying residents eligible to vote in the referendumPolitical parties, campaign organisations, charities and community groups involved in campaigningThe UK Government and Parliament, including the Electoral Commission and local electoral administratorsThe media and broadcasters covering the referendum

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Referendum (European Union)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 29 May 2012. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 28 2012-13 (as introduced)

BillLords

30 May 2012

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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