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

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Referendums Criteria Bill [HL] would set rules for when and how referendums can be held in the United Kingdom about constitutional or parliamentary changes. It aims to establish clear criteria for a referendum, and to govern the organisation and conduct of such votes.

Key Points

It concerns referendums on constitutional or parliamentary arrangements in the UK.
It would establish criteria for when a referendum can be held and how it should be run.
The Bill is being considered in the House of Lords and is currently at its second reading.
As a UK constitutional measure, it could affect how future referendums are proposed and approved.

Progress

The Bill has been introduced in the House of Lords and is at the second reading stage; no further stages have been completed yet.

Who is affected?

UK voters who may participate in referendumsPolitical parties and campaign groupsPublic bodies involved in organising or overseeing referendumsParliament and government departments dealing with constitutional mattersDevolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Referendums Criteria

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 8 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 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 9 (as introduced)

BillLords

8 Jan 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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