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2.3 The Legislative Process, Both Houses go through this process - Coggle…
2.3
The Legislative Process
Two Categories for Bills
Government bills
proposed by the government
typically successful in passing into law
introduced by a minister in HoC or HoL
reflect gvt's policy agenda
e.g:
Budget bill (sets out gvt's taxation and spending plans for the year)
Brexit bill (was introduced to facilitate UK's withdrawal from the EU)
Private members' bills
proposed by individual members of Parliament (who are not part of the gvt)
generally less successful in passing into law, as they don't have backing of gvt & often face opposition from gvt ministers
introduced through a ballot system (determines which backbenchers will have opportunity to propose a bill)
Some have been successful in the past, e.g:
Abortion Act 1967 - was introduced as a private member's bill by David Steel MP
Hybrid Bills
contain both
public
and
private
elements
are introduced by the gvt & typically relate to
large infrastructure projects
(e.g: construction of a new airport/railway)
are subject to a special procedure that allows for greater public scrutiny & consultation
Legislative Process - Stages
FIRST READING:
formality
bill is introduced to
the HoC/HoL
no debate
SECOND READING:
first opportunity for MPs/
peers to debate main
principles of the bill
may vote to approve &
move bill to next stage
OR reject it
COMMITTEE STAGE:
is a detailed examination
of the bill in a smaller group
of MPs/peers
committee considers each
clause & propose amendments
if necessary
REPORT STAGE:
amended bill is reported
back to full HoC/HoL for
debate & further amendments
THIRD READING:
final debate on the bill
in HoC/HoL
MPs/peers may propose
further amendments
BUT
, debate is generally
focused on whether bill should
pass or not
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS:
if HoC and HoL pass different versions of
bill, it may go back and forth between
2 chambers until they agree on same version
ROYAL ASSENT:
once bill has been
approved by both HoC
and HoL
sent to Monarch for
Royal Assent
a formality where
Monarch signs bill
& it becomes law
Salisbury Convention
governs the interaction between the two Houses in UK Parliament
was established in the 20th century
convention states that the HoL shouldn't vote against legislation that was included in a gvt's manifesto
(because manifesto is considered to be "chosen for" by the electorate & gvt has mandate to introduce and pass it)
HOWEVER
: Convention is not law & HoL is not legally bound to follow it
Both Houses go through this process