MPs debate motion on EU Referendum
29 February 2016 (updated on 29 February 2016)
MPs debated a motion to approve the draft European Union Referendum (Date of Referendum etc.) Regulations 2016, which was laid before the House on 22 February 2016.
European Union Referendum
MPs voted to approve the draft European Union Referendum Date of Referendum etc.) Regulations 2016. (Division No. 201: Ayes 475 votes, Noes 59 votes).
- Watch Parliament TV: debate on EU Referendum Regulations 2016
- Read Commons Hansard: Referendums
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: European Union
- Read the Draft European Union Referendum (Date of Referendum etc.) Regulations 2016 (external website)
Related information
House of Commons Library analysis
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. The Library has published briefing papers on the rules and regulations of the EU referendum.
- Commons Library briefing paper - Starting the EU referendum campaign: rules and regulations
- Further information from the Commons Library: the UK's EU referendum explained
Statutory Instruments
Statutory Instruments are a type of delegated legislation. Delegated legislation allows the Government to make changes to a law without needing to push through a completely new Act of Parliament.
The original Act (also known as primary legislation) would have provisions that allow for future delegated legislation to alter the law to differing degrees.
These changes range from the technical, like altering the level of a fine, to fleshing out Acts with greater detail; often an Act contains only a broad framework of its purpose and more complex content is added through delegated legislation.
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 the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.