This paper discusses the way that Parliament scrutinises the Government's proposals for taxation, set out in the annual Budget statement. It looks at how this procedure may be affected by the timing of a General Election, and the decision in 2017 to move the Budget from the Spring to the Autumn. It also provides some suggestions for further reading.
Documents to download
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Regulation of Referendums (176 KB, PDF)
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced on 23 January 2013 that if his party is elected to power following the next election expected in 2015, it would hold a referendum in the UK on EU membership, framed on an in out question. The wording of the question was not specified.
This Note sets out the mechanics for holding referendums. It summarises the applicable provisions of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) which regulate publicity and campaigning. The Electoral Commission has to be consulted over the intelligibility of the question or questions to be asked in the referendum. The Commission also has the power to designate organisations to campaign for Yes and No.
The Note also sets out a timeline of events for the 1975 referendum on the Common Market. It is important to note that regulation of a referendum would have significantly different elements, following the enactment of PPERA.
Research Paper 10/79 European Union Bill and Standard Note 6024 provides further detail on the provision for referendums following an EU treaty change (or related provision).
Lords Library Note 2013/002 Debate on 31 January: the Prime Minister’s speech on Europe provides further reading, as summarised on its front cover:
The Note provides a short history of Prime Ministerial speeches on Europe since 1970; outlines Government policy towards Europe since 2010; summarises David Cameron’s speech and selected reaction to it; and considers some aspects of the proposed renegotiation and referendum. It concludes with information about trends in public opinion towards Britain’s membership of the EU.
Documents to download
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Regulation of Referendums (176 KB, PDF)
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This note considers the EU's spending and how it is financed.
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This briefing paper sets out the background to the UK Internal Market Bill. This Bill received its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 14 September 2020 and was considered in Committee of the Whole House between 15 and 22 September. The remaining Commons stages are scheduled for 29 September.
