How laws are made

Summary

This video explains the process through which a proposal becomes a law in Parliament. It starts with a Bill, which may originate from various sources such as political parties, civil servants, or campaign groups. The journey involves publishing Green and White Papers, public discussions, and Cabinet approval. Once the Bill is drafted, it is debated and amended in both Houses of Parliament. If agreed upon, it is passed to the monarch for Royal Assent, turning it into an Act of Parliament. This step-by-step guide illustrates how a concept transitions into law.

Takeaways

• 😀 Both Houses of Parliament share responsibility for making and shaping laws.
• 😀 Laws come from various sources, such as governing and opposition parties, public inquiries, civil servants, or campaign groups.
• 😀 A Bill is a proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law.
• 😀 The process of creating a law begins with a proposal called a Green Paper, which outlines ideas for future policy.
• 😀 The Green Paper is open for public discussion, inviting feedback from interested groups like internet service providers and others affected by the policy.
• 😀 After gathering findings, a White Paper is published, offering a firmer plan for government policy.
• 😀 Cabinet Ministers must agree on whether the proposal will move forward or not.
• 😀 Once approved, a Bill is drafted, and the responsible Minister introduces it to Parliament for debate.
• 😀 MPs and members of the House of Lords debate, comment on, and may amend the Bill throughout several stages.
• 😀 After both Houses agree on the Bill, it is sent to the monarch for formal approval, or Royal Assent.
• 😀 Once Royal Assent is given, the Bill becomes law and is officially known as an Act of Parliament.

Q & A

What is a Bill in the legislative process?

A Bill is a proposal for a new law or to change an existing law, which comes from various sources such as governing and opposition parties, public inquiries, civil servants, or campaign groups.

Where do the ideas for new laws come from?

Ideas for new laws can come from governing and opposition parties, public inquiries, civil servants, or campaign groups.

What is the purpose of a Green Paper?

A Green Paper is a proposal published by the Government to present its ideas for future policy, open for public discussion with interested groups like internet service providers and other affected parties.

How does public discussion influence the legislative process?

Public discussion influences the legislative process by gathering feedback from interested groups, which helps shape the Government's policy and refine the proposal.

What is the role of a White Paper in the legislative process?

A White Paper is published after the Green Paper and outlines a firmer plan for Government policy, incorporating feedback from the public discussion phase.

Who must agree to take a proposal forward after the White Paper?

Cabinet Ministers must agree whether the proposal is to be taken forward after the White Paper is published.

What happens after a Bill is introduced to Parliament?

After a Bill is introduced to Parliament, it goes through several stages of debate, comment, and amendment by MPs and members of the House of Lords.

How is a Bill passed into law?

A Bill must be agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament. Afterward, it is passed to the monarch for formal approval, called Royal Assent, which then turns the Bill into an Act of Parliament.

What is Royal Assent?

Royal Assent is the formal approval given by the monarch, which is the final step before a Bill becomes law and turns into an Act of Parliament.

Are there any exceptions to a Bill being passed after Royal Assent?

Apart from very rare circumstances, a Bill must be agreed upon by both Houses of Parliament and receive Royal Assent to become law.