Private members’ bills

A private member’s bill (PMB) is a type of Public Bill that is introduced into the House of Commons or House of Lords by a parliamentarian who is not a government minister. These MPs and peers are known as “backbenchers”. While any MP can propose a new law, the parliamentary timetable is dominated by government […]

First reading

A first reading is the first formal stage of a bill’s journey through parliament. This tends to be a purely procedural step where the short title (name) of a bill is read out in the chamber, signifying that it has been formally introduced to the House. No debate or vote takes place at this stage […]

Government consultations

A government consultation is a formal process through which the public and interested organisations can provide their views on proposed government policy, changes to the law, or regulations. Consultations therefore provide a tool for evidence-based policymaking. Governments can consult on almost any element of policy. Consultations can range from broad, open-ended discussions on a new […]

Green papers

A Green paper is an official consultation document issued by the UK government. Its primary purpose is to stimulate public discussion and gather views on a specific policy area at an early, formative stage, before the government has committed to a particular course of action. Green papers, named for the colour of their covers, are […]

Committee of the whole House

A committee of the whole House is a procedure in the House of Commons where the detailed, clause-by-clause scrutiny of a bill, known as its committee stage, takes place in the main chamber rather than in a separate committee room. This allows every MP to participate in the debate and propose and vote on amendments. […]