Making laws

Summary

The UK Parliament's primary function of law-making is detailed, starting with a Bill, which can be introduced by the Government or individual members. The Houses of Commons and Lords examine Bills through similar stages but with differing rules. Both Houses can amend Bills, requiring mutual agreement for passage. In specific instances, the Commons can override the Lords. Resulting Acts of Parliament serve as primary legislation, with ministers handling secondary legislation for finer details.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Parliament's primary function is to make laws.
• 📜 The law-making process starts with a Bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing one.
• 👥 Bills can be introduced by the Government, individual MPs, or members of the House of Lords.
• 🔍 Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords examine Bills, but their rules and procedures differ.
• 🔄 Each House can propose changes to a Bill, but both must agree on the final version for it to become law.
• ✅ In specific circumstances, a Bill can become law without the Lords' approval, such as if the Commons passes it twice in two years or if it concerns taxes or public spending.
• 📚 An Act of Parliament is the primary legislation, outlining the main principles of a new law.
• 📑 Secondary or delegated legislation is used by government ministers to detail the finer points of an Act.
• 🔗 More information on law-making can be found at www.parliament.uk/makinglaws.

Q & A

What is one of the main jobs of Parliament?

One of the main jobs of Parliament is to examine and approve new laws.

How does the law-making process typically start?

The law-making process usually begins with a Bill, which is a proposal for either a new law or a change to an existing one.

Who can introduce Bills in Parliament?

Bills can be introduced by the Government, or by individual Members of Parliament (MPs) or members of the House of Lords.

Are the stages of examining Bills the same in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords?

Yes, the stages of examining Bills are the same in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but the rules and the way each House works during these stages are different.

What must happen for a Bill to become law after changes are made by either House?

Any changes made to the contents of a Bill by either House must be agreed to by both Houses before it can become law.

Under what circumstances can a Bill be passed without the approval of the House of Lords?

A Bill may be passed without the approval of the House of Lords if the House of Commons passes the same Bill in two successive years, or if the Bill is about taxes or public expenditure.

What is an Act of Parliament also known as?

An Act of Parliament is known as primary legislation.

What do Acts of Parliament usually establish, and who is responsible for setting out the finer details?

Acts of Parliament often establish the main principles of a new law while allowing government ministers to set out the finer detail in secondary or delegated legislation.

How can one find out more about the law-making process in the UK?

One can find out more about the law-making process at the official UK Parliament website, www.parliament.uk/makinglaws.

What is the difference between primary and secondary legislation?

Primary legislation refers to Acts of Parliament that establish the main principles of a new law, while secondary or delegated legislation is the finer detail set out by government ministers.

Can you provide an example of a situation where the House of Commons can override the House of Lords in passing a Bill?

An example of a situation where the House of Commons can override the House of Lords is if the same Bill is passed in two successive years, or if the Bill pertains to taxes or public expenditure.