European Union Membership (Referendum) Bill

A Bill to require the holding of a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

2 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would require the United Kingdom to hold a nationwide referendum on whether the UK should remain in the European Union. It would establish the legal framework for running the referendum and for dealing with its outcome.

Key Points

Requires a referendum on EU membership.
Creates the legal framework for how the referendum would be organised (questions, campaigning, voting rules).
Covers connected purposes, including how the result should be acted on and any follow-on steps.
Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons, with further stages to come.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it would move on to committee and further stages, subject to parliamentary approval.

Who is affected?

UK eligible voters (including British citizens in the UK) who would vote in the referendumBritish citizens living overseas who are eligible to vote in referendumspolitical parties and campaign groupsthe Electoral Commission and other bodies involved in running electionsthe UK government and Parliament (as lawmakers and implementing body)businesses and organisations with interests in EU membership

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - European Union Membership (Referendum)

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 Membership (Referendum) Bill | TrackPolitics