New laws are passed by the Parliament. Like new laws are introduced by the Government, similarly existing laws are also changed by the Government. However, in England, it can generate from a member of the House of commons, a member of the House of Lords, a member of the public or even from a private group. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords must debate, discuss and vote for the same before it becomes a law. New laws are initiated in the form of Bills. Generally the House of Commons deal with important political and controversial issues.
Delay in legislation
A Bill must be agreed by both the Houses of the parliament in order to become a Bill. Either House can vote down a Bill if it deems fit and in such a case, the Bill will not become a law. However there are exceptions to this also. If a Bill is passed by the House of Commons in 2 successive years, then it might become a law without the approval and / or consent of the House of Lords. Bills for raising revenues for the Government are never opposed by the House of Lords and it may only be delayed for a maximum period of a month.
Royal Approval
The monarch of England has to approve all the new Laws and this is known as the “Royal Assent”. However this is just a formality and no law can be kept on hold in practice. In 1708, the Royal Assent was withheld when Queen Anne refused a Bill to settle the Militia in Scotland. Since then, England has never ever seen any cases of Royal Assent since then. After obtaining the Royal Assent, the Bill becomes an Act in the Parliament. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the executive to implement the law.
