(MENAFN- QNA) British Members of Parliament (MPs) have overwhelmingly backed plans for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.
The vote, which followed the first debate on the EU Referendum Bill, means the legislation moves to the next stage of its progress through Parliament, according to the (BBC).
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said a "generation" had been denied a say on the UK's place in Europe, and the public must now have the "final say".
MPs voted by 544 to 53 in favour of the bill.
The Conservatives and Labour support the bill, but the SNP opposes it.
Earlier, MPs voted to reject an SNP amendment opposing the bill.
The bill, which has now passed its second reading and will next be examined by a committee of MPs, has several more stages to pass through.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who first promised a referendum in 2013, has pledged to negotiate a "better deal" for the UK in Europe in advance of the vote - to be held by the end of 2017 at the latest.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.