Explain legislation 2 / 7

UK Statute

This is what is called PRIMARY legislation (as opposed to delegated)

Initial Stages of Primary Legislation

  1. Green Paper

    This is where the public consultation on the potential new law happens

  2. White Paper

    After the public consultation - a firm proposal for legislation is made here

Once proposed it then goes to Parliament

Normally the House of Commons first and the House of Lords next

First ReadingFormal stage to get on Parliament's timetable
Second ReadingMain debate and vote
CommitteeScrutiny by standing committee of cross party MP's
Report stageAmendments from Committee stage reported on
Third readingFinal debate and vote

It then goes to the House of Lords for the exact same 5 stages

Finally it is then given Royal Assent

Types of Primary Legislation

  1. Public acts – Government or private member's bills

  2. Private acts – Powers given to individuals or institutions

  3. Enabling acts – Giving law making abilities to delegated bodies

  4. Consolidating legislation – bringing together existing acts but no amendments made to them

  5. Codifying legislation – bringing together common law and existing statute

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