Making an Act of Parliament

• Most Bills begin in the House of Commons - although not always.
• Although most Acts have to go through these stages, the House of Commons can force a Bill through without the House of Lords approval after a year under the Parliament Act 1949.
• Royal Assent is nothing more than a formality - the last time a law was not given the Royal Assent was in 1707 under Queen Anne.

Stages of Making an Act of Parliament

1. Consultation - Government ministers discussing a proposal with civil servants. This stage is not compulsary.

2. Green Paper - Sets out the proposals in order to seek responses. This stage is not compulsary.

3. White Paper…