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

Parliament last updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would provide a formal framework for referendums held in the United Kingdom on constitutional or parliamentary arrangements. It sets out the criteria and rules for when such referendums may be held and how they should be conducted, aiming to bring clarity and consistency to constitutional votes.

Key Points

Applies to referendums in the United Kingdom on constitutional or parliamentary arrangements.
Establishes the criteria and framework governing when such referendums can be held and how they should operate.
Originating in the House of Lords and currently at the second reading in the Lords (first reading occurred 8 January 2020).
Notes that these referendums could involve discussions affecting the devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) across the UK.
Seeks to replace ad hoc referendums with a formal, statutory process.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Lords. It originated in the Lords, with the first reading having taken place on 8 January 2020.

Who is affected?

UK votersThe UK Parliament and GovernmentDevolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)Political parties and referendum campaign groupsPublic bodies and organisations involved in referendums

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

8 Jan 2020

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

1st readingCommons

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

Royal Assent

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.