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

Parliament last updated

18 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would enable the government to begin preparations for a future referendum on the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union. It would provide the legal framework for planning and carrying out these preparations, should a referendum be called, without mandating that a referendum must take place.

Key Points

Allows administrative and logistical preparations for a potential referendum on the UK’s EU relationship.
Sets out a framework for how such preparations would be organised and managed by government bodies and relevant organisations.
Does not itself require a referendum; it prepares for the possibility if and when one is called.

Who is affected?

UK voters eligible to vote in a referendumUK government departments and civil servants involved in elections and referendumsPolitical parties and referendum campaign organisationsElectoral administrators (local authorities and returning officers) and electoral registration staffThe Electoral Commission and other bodies involved in overseeing elections and referendums

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

16 Jan 2019

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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.