Parliamentary law making

House of Commons

A chamber in the UK Parliament with 650 elected members of parliament (MPs) serving at least every 5 years, usually representing political parties.

House of Lords

The upper chamber of Parliament consisting of unelected members, including hereditary peers, bishops, and life peers.

Hereditary Peers

Members of the House of Lords who inherit their titles, with 92 remaining after the House of Lords Act 1999.

Lord Spiritual

The 26 bishops of the Church of England who serve in the House of Lords.

Life Peers

Individuals appointed to the House of Lords for their expertise or political contributions.

Constitutional Reform Act 2005

Legislation that removed law lords from the House of Lords.

Devolved Powers

Competencies transferred to smaller parliaments, such as the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish Parliaments.

Green Paper

A government document outlining proposed policies and inviting feedback from interested parties.

White Paper

A firm proposal for a new law following the Green Paper, which may include a draft bill.

Bill

A draft of a proposed law that is presented in Parliament before it becomes an act.

Public Bill

A type of bill that affects the public at large and is the most frequently introduced in Parliament.

Private Bill

A type of bill that affects a specific group or corporation rather than the general public.

Private Members' Bill

A bill introduced by a single MP or Lord, usually subject to limited debate.

First Reading

The initial formal stage of a bill in Parliament where names and aims are read out with no debate.

Second Reading

The stage where the main principles of the bill are debated and voted on by MPs.

Committee Stage

The stage where a committee reviews the bill in detail and recommends amendments.

Report Stage

The stage where the committee reports amendments to the House and further changes can be debated.

Third Reading

The final formal stage of a bill in which a further debate can occur if requested.

Royal Assent

The formal approval by the monarch that allows a bill to become law.

Consultation Process

A method used to gather feedback and insights prior to the creation of a bill.

Law Commission

An independent body that suggests areas for legislative reform and improves technical law.

Whips

A process used by Governments that ensures their MP’s will vote towards their rules.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

An example of bad wording that faced criticism for poor consultation leading to unintended consequences.

Consumer Rights Act 2015

An example of a bill that experienced lengthy deliberation process, taking 14 months to pass.

Hunting Act 2004

An example where political beliefs, rather than expertise, influenced the House of Lords' vote.

Sentencing Act 2020

An example of legislation that resulted from suggestions put forward by the Law Commission.

Whip System

The practice ensuring that MPs support their party's agenda, potentially at the expense of constituents' interests.

order or law making

First reading, Second reading, Committee stage, Report stage, Third reading, Other house, Royal Assent.