Referendums Criteria Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision concerning referendums within the United Kingdom on constitutional or parliamentary arrangements

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

8 November 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Referendums Criteria Bill would set clear rules for when referendums can happen in the UK on constitutional or parliamentary changes. It aims to define which topics count, who can vote, and how referendums are run and recognised. It provides a framework intended to make future referendums more predictable and consistent.

Key Points

Sets criteria for when referendums may be held in the UK on constitutional or parliamentary changes.
Defines which topics qualify for such referendums and how decisions are triggered.
Establishes voting eligibility (franchise) and rules for who can vote in these referendums.
Sets rules for administering referendums, including campaigning, counting, and validation of results.
Addresses how the outcomes would be applied or implemented within the UK’s constitutional framework, including consideration of devolution.

Progress

Currently at Second Reading in the House of Lords, where peers debate the general principles. It will move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny if it passes that hurdle.

Who is affected?

Voters in future referendums on constitutional or parliamentary changesPolitical parties and campaign groupsUK government departments and electoral authoritiesDevolved administrations (Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive/Assembly)Parliament and lawmakersLocal authorities involved in running referendums

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Referendums Criteria

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 29 January. 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.

The 2017-19 Parliament dissolved at the end of the 2019 Session and this Bill will make no further progress

Documents (1)

HL Bill 42 (as introduced)

BillLords

29 Oct 2019

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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