European Union (Audit of Benefits and Costs of UK Membership) Bill

A Bill to establish a Commission to carry out regular audits of the economic costs and benefits of the UK’s membership of the European Union; and for connected purposes.

In progress Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)

The story so farThe European Union (Audit of Benefits and Costs of UK Membership) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 26 January 2009 by Mr Christopher Chope (Conservative). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.

What the bill does

The Bill would establish a Commission to carry out regular audits of the costs and benefits of the UK’s membership of the European Union.Key areasThe Commission would be established within six months of the Bill being passed, and then every five years afterwards.The Commission would examine issues relating to:<ul><li>the economy (including financial contributions to the EU Budget) </li><li>national security and defence</li><li>constitutional arrangements.</li></ul>The Commission would report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who would present the report to both Houses, along with the views of the National Audit Office on it.

European Union (Audit of Benefits and Costs of UK Membership) Bill

Progress through Parliament