Commons Private Members’ Bills: 5 July 2013
5 July 2013
MPs debated the European Union (Referendum) Bill in the House of Commons on 5 July 2013, the first sitting Friday of the current session allocated to the debate of Private Members’ Bills
MPs voted by 304 to 0 to approve the second reading of the European Union (Referendum) Bill.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading of the European Union (Referendum) Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading of the European Union (Referendum) Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
European Union (Referendum) Bill
This Bill, sponsored by James Wharton MP, seeks to make provision for the holding of a referendum in the United Kingdom on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union.
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs and their staff of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial.
- House of Commons Library briefing paper: European Union (Referendum) Bill
- House of Commons Library briefing paper: Leaving the EU
The following Private Members' Bills were also scheduled to receive their second reading on 5 July but have now been scheduled for later dates:
Margaret Thatcher Day Bill
This Bill, sponsored by Mr Peter Bone MP, seeks to make provision that the annual Bank Holiday Monday in late August be known as Margaret Thatcher Day.
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading of Margaret Thatcher Day Bill
- Follow Bills before Parliament: Margaret Thatcher Day Bill
The second reading debate was interupted has been scheduled to resume on Friday 8 November 2013.
EU Membership (Audit of Costs and Benefits) Bill
This Bill, sponsored by Mr Christopher Chope MP, seeks to require an independent audit of the benefits and costs of UK membership of the European Union.
The second reading debate has been scheduled for Friday 12 July 2013.
Specialist Printing Equipment and Materials (Offences) Bill
This Bill, sponsored by Charlie Elphicke MP, seeks to to make provision for an offence in respect of supplies of specialist printing equipment and related materials; and for connected purposes.
The second reading debate has been scheduled for Friday 6 September 2013.
Private Members’ Bills
Private Members' Bills are Public Bills introduced by MPs and Lords who are not government ministers.
As with other Public Bills, their purpose is to change the law as it applies to the general population.
A minority of Private Members' Bills become law but, by creating publicity around an issue, they may affect legislation indirectly.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.