European Union Referendum Bill: Lords consideration

The European Union Referendum Bill returned to the House of Lords on Monday 14 December for consideration of Commons reason in ‘ping pong’.

The Commons reason was considered, and the bill now awaits Royal Assent.

Lords third reading: Tuesday 1 December

Members of the Lords discussed the rules for campaigning on the referendum, including how much finance should be available to campaigners. They also asked what reporting requirements should be in place around donations and loans for the campaign.

The bill will now go to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments.

Lords report stage day two: Monday 23 November

Members discussed the information that should be made available to the public in the run-up to the referendum, and the effects a withdrawal from the EU would have on laws and policy. They also asked whether common guidance for charities on engagement with the referendum could be issued.

Third reading, a final chance to amend the bill, is scheduled for 1 December.

Lords report stage day one: Wednesday 17 November

Members began by discussing a change to the bill that would allow people over 16 to vote in the referendum, this change was agreed after going to a vote, with 293 for and 211 against.

There was a further vote on whether British citizens who have lived in the EU for more than 15 years should be allowed to vote in the referendum, the result was 116 for and 214 against, so the change was not made.

Day two of report stage is expected on Monday 23 November.

European Union Referendum Bill: Committee stage day three, Wednesday 4 November

Members of the Lords considered suggested changes to the bill, including the restriction on campaigning by public authorities and restrictions on special advisers ahead of the referendum.

The European Referendum Bill now moves to report stage, a further chance for scrutiny in the House of Lords. It is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 18 November.

European Union Referendum Bill: Committee stage day two, Monday 2 November

Members of the Lords discussed a proposal that would allow UK citizens who are resident in other EU countries to vote in the referendum. They also considered whether a report outlining the consequences of the UK's withdrawal from the EU should be presented to Parliament ahead of the referendum.

European Union Referendum Bill: Committee stage day one, Wednesday 28 October

Members of the Lords discussed a suggested change that would see the date of the proposed referendum postponed from 2017 to 2019. They also considered the question of extending the right to vote in an EU referendum to 16 and 17 year olds.

European Union Referendum Bill: Second reading, Tuesday 13 October

Members debated the contents of the bill, which enables a referendum to take place by the end of 2017. Key areas discussed included the best timing for the referendum, what the UK’s relationship with the EU would look like if we were to leave, and whether 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum.

About the European Union Referendum Bill

The bill makes provision for a referendum in the UK and Gibraltar on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union.

Further information

Bills and legislation: European Union Referendum Bill
Visiting the House of Lords – watch the Lords at work
Work of the House of Lords – making laws
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