Referendum (European Union) Bill [HL]

What this bill does

To make provision for the holding of a referendum in the United Kingdom on the United Kingdom’s continued membership of the European Union.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

2 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Referendum (European Union) Bill [HL] is a proposal to require a public referendum in the United Kingdom on whether to remain a member of the European Union. It would set out the rules for calling and conducting the referendum and explain how the result would be used in decisions about EU membership.

Key Points

Provides for a referendum on the UK's continued EU membership.
Sets out the mechanics for calling, timing and conducting the referendum.
Specifies how the referendum result would be used in relation to EU membership decisions.
Introduced in the House of Lords and currently at its second reading.
If enacted, would affect how referendums are organised in the UK and who runs them.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Lords. It remains to progress through the Lords and then move to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

UK adult voters eligible to vote in a referendumPolitical parties and campaign organisationsThe UK Government and devolved administrations, and the public bodies responsible for running referendumsBusinesses and organisations with an interest in the UK’s EU membership

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Referendum (European Union)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 27 July. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

The 2010-12 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 18 2010-11

BillLords

28 Jul 2010

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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