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European Union Referendum (Preparation) Bill

A Bill to enable preparations for a referendum about the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

18 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would give the government the legal power to start preparing for a possible referendum on the UK’s future relationship with the European Union. It would provide a framework for planning, budgeting and other preparatory work, and set out who is responsible for what. It does not itself call a referendum but creates the groundwork should Parliament decide to proceed.

Key Points

Allows official preparation activity for a potential EU referendum, including planning and resource allocation.
Creates the legal framework for administrative and information-related tasks needed during the preparation period.
Provides for governance and oversight of preparatory work to ensure it is conducted transparently and within the law.

Who is affected?

UK voters eligible to vote in a future referendumUK residents eligible to vote in such a referendumPolitical parties and campaign groupsGovernment departments and civil servantsThe Electoral Commission and other electoral bodiesPrivate sector suppliers and contractors providing referendum preparation servicesLocal authorities and regional public bodies

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - European Union Referendum (Preparation)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

European Union Referendum (Preparation) Bill | TrackPolitics