The most important job of the Parliament is to debate and pass statute laws. The Government introduces plans for new laws that have been mentioned by the Queen in the opening of the Parliament. It may also discuss regarding the amendment of any existing law. New laws can be initiated from a MP or a Lord
New laws are to be initiated in certain emergency cases:
Threat of terrorism
Pressure on the government to update old laws
Interpretation
Clarification and re-application of the established principles of statute law
Who is consulted about changes to the law ?
Before draft laws or Bills are introduced into the Parliament, there are deliberations with concerned bodies, associations and stake holders for feedbacks and suggestions.
White and green papers
Government White papers are used for proposals for legislative changes. Prior to the issuance of White Papers, there is a provision to introduce a consultation paper sometimes known as Green Paper. The objective of the Green paper is to highlight the Government proposals that are in the making. Generally it is not mandatory to issue White or Green Paper before a Bill is placed in the Parliament.
Draft Bills and Pre – Legislative Scrutiny
A Draft Bill is a Bill that goes through a pre – legislative scrutiny before a Bill is formerly introduced either into the House of Commons or into the House of Lords. A Draft Bill is considered for discussion by a departmental select committee in the House of Commons or by a joint committee comprising of the members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The MPs and the Members of the Lords scrutinize the Bills and this process is known as pre – legislative scrutiny.
Are all Bills applicable to entire UK ?
Not all Bills are applicable to the whole of UK. Some Bills are applicable to England and Wales. Some law making powers are also vested with The Scottish Parliament, The Welsh Assembly, The Northern Ireland Assembly.
International and EU Legislation
The new laws also need to assure that UK complies with International EU Legislations.
